Our 3 areas of focus
Education for all
Education is crucial to Karuna’s Dalit and marginalised communities, who historically have been denied education and suffered from high drop out rates. We work holistically with schools, parents and children, providing support structures to enable disadvantaged children to take full advantage of the mainstream school system. Karuna ensures that children are informed about their rights and can develop a sense of agency – becoming positive role models for one another and the change-makers for the next generation, taking their futures into their own hands.
Children from marginalised communities will be worst affected by school closures, leading to increased inequality, early marriage and child labour. Read how you can help us change this.
SUPPORT CHILDREN
Dignified Livelihoods
Karuna supports Dalit and marginalised people to break out of degrading, caste-based occupations that get passed down from generation to generation. Our work first helps people form a different vision for themselves, then develops that vision into reality through vocational and skills training. Building networks and fostering an enabling environment, together we can create a shift in mindset within the community as well the individual that supports dignified, caste-free livelihoods that can become a living reality, challenging the stigma of caste and inspiring others to do the same.
The lockdown has led to an unprecedented livelihoods crisis with millions of returned migrant labourers needing to find new and sustainable livelihoods. Read how we are helping people to find sustainable and resilient livelihoods.
SUPPORT RESILIENCEKaruna supports Dalit and marginalised people to break out of degrading, caste-based occupations that get passed down from generation to generation. Our work first helps people form a different vision for themselves, then develops that vision into reality through vocational and skills training. Building networks and fostering an enabling environment, together we can create a shift in mindset within the community as well the individual that supports dignified, caste-free livelihoods that can become a living reality, challenging the stigma of caste and inspiring others to do the same.
Gender Equality
Dalit women often face the “double discrimination” of both caste and gender. Karuna’s work challenges these traditional caste-based gender attitudes so that women from marginalised backgrounds are valued equally and can enjoy equal access to the full range of rights and opportunities needed to realise their potential. Leadership and skills training enable women to become leaders in their communities, asserting their own choices and needs and empowering change in others. Likewise, we work with groups of men, encouraging them to become active agents for gender equality.
We will continue to focus relief efforts on women and girls, who are particularly vulnerable in times of crisis, ensuring they are protected from violence and trafficking as a result of reduced family incomes due to the pandemic.
SUPPORT EQUALITY