(Photo courtesy of Operation Mobilization)
India (MNN) ― Young Dalits are getting a chance for a better life through free English education offered by Operation Mobilization, in partnership with the All India Christian Council and Manjeera Dalitha Seva Samithi, a Dalit non-profit organization.
The Spoken English Training and Career Guidance Centre in Andhra Pradesh began this year, and 157 high school and college students enrolled in the first three-month-long course.
In the past, Dalits have not had access to English education, although the language is widely used in corporate and societal institutions. Today, the ability to speak English has become a status symbol for the rich upper caste. Members of the upper caste are now known as the "English-speaking elite."
The Centre's first graduating class completed the course in mid-2008 and already reports outstanding success in finding employment -- due to the newly-acquired skills and the assistance of career guidance counseling.
In October, 70 new students enrolled in the program. They are faithfully attending their evening classes and growing in confidence as well as in their language skills.
2,500 full-time, Indian workers minister in India, making it OM's largest single ministry field. The ministry focuses on the needs of the 300 million Dalits, or "untouchables" - India's lowest class.
Operation Mobilization (OM) India is an inter-denominational Christian movement committed to partnership with Indian churches in sharing God's love with the nation of India. OM India is dedicated to the training and equipping of national Indian Christian workers as instruments to lead men to the living God and help them grow in their faith.
To support OM's ministry to the Dalits, click here.
