2014 was a year of milestones and setbacks for the cause of girls’ education. The tragic kidnapping of schoolgirls in Nigeria and the massacre of innocent children at a school in Peshawar were huge, devastating setbacks. But the recognition of children’s rights by the Nobel Peace Prize committee, the continued increase in female and youth literacy rates, and the First Lady’s push for community-based education solutions were signs of greater awareness of the plight of millions of children worldwide. This year, the world continued to recognize the right to an education, the right to not work during one’s childhood, and the right to live free from fear of gender-based violence.
Through it all, Sahasra Deepika has remained a beacon of hope and a safe haven for girls who had no chance for an education. Sahasra Deepika Insitute is a place where their talents can be recognized and celebrated and their dreams can become a reality. Here are a few of the highlights of 2014, in which we celebrated 16 years of service to children in need.
February 8: 5th Annual Spelling Bee Contest
Students from 14 high schools around Bangalore gathered for Sahasra Deepika’s annual spelling bee contest, a culmination of our Outreach Program. The event was a grand success!
April: SD student graduates
This year, Bhavya, a girl who has been at Sahasra Deepika for 13 years, graduated. She is now enrolled at a junior college in Bangalore, studying computer science.
August: SD grads join engineering college
August 30: Women’s Empowerment Conference
Women teachers from Bangalore area government schools gathered at Sahasra Deepika for our first ever Women’s Empowerment Conference.
November 8: Sweet 16 Gala
Sahasra Deepika celebrated its 16th anniversary at a beautiful gala in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Guests of all ages enjoyed speakers, performances, food and more.
November 14: Children’s Day at Walmart Labs
Students at Sahasra Deepika celebrated this year’s Children’s Day at Walmart Labs in Bangalore to learn about careers and enjoy games and activities.
Thanks for being a part of Sahasra Deepika’s family this year. With your continued support, we’re looking forward to even greater progress in 2015!
