Dalit Freedom Network Canada

For the first time, Dalits can dream of another life.

The Dalits are the world’s largest group of enslaved people: 250 million men, women and children facing discrimination, segregation, and enforced poverty. The only way to end this history of slavery is by giving Dalit children access to education.

Dalit students enrolled at Good Shepherd Schools learn how to read and write, but even more importantly, their education allows them to dream of another life, a new destiny for Dalits!

By supporting the "What Will You Do For Freedom?" campaign, you can give Dalit boys and girls the freedom to become who they want to be.

Each donation will be matched until May 31 and provides tuition, books, uniforms, desks, and lunches! Learn more at whatwillyoudoforfreedom.net.

May 11: Pick Up a Mother's Day Gift Made by Dalit Women

Join "Half the Sky Canada" tomorrow from 10am-5pm!

This event brings together organizations to raise awareness about how women around the world are turning oppression into opportunity. At the DFN booth you can pick up great Mother’s Day gifts made by Dalit Women and learn more about how DFN is bringing hope and dignity to Dalit Women

Find more information about the event here. 

Photo of the month: Freedom begins with a school!

For a Dalit child, having access to education means being able to escape the cycle of  oppression, poverty, and discrimination generations of Dalits have been struggeling with.

The Good Shepherd Schools have been providing education to 24,000 Students. However, our schools are becoming so well-known that they are continually receiving enrolment applications. Several schools are at full capacity in their existing school building. Without immediate funding for additional classrooms, they will have to turn prospective students away. 

Each classroom changes countless lives every year. The bricks that go into making the school are made by the Dalits themselves, and then the Dalits and Sudras construct the school. The Good Shepherd Schools are a lighthouse for the entire community, and as more and more Dalit children are educated and empowered, Dalit communities will encounter true freedom. 

If you like to support one of our classroom construction projects, please click here. 

Three Cheers for Our Fundraisers... Hip Hip Hooray!

A huge thanks goes out to the passionate people who have been fundraising for the "What Will You Do For Freedom?" campaign! Fundraisers Melanie, Adam, and Danielle have raised enough money to keep 8 Dalit children in school for another year. All together, they and other people like you have already helped 87 children! 

Here's a couple non-financial ways you can help show our thanks to these wonderful fundraisers:

1. Go to their fundraising page and leave them a encouraging comment
2. Share their fundraiser with your networks via social media, email, etc.
3. Encourage friends and family to consider supporting them

There's still time to start your own fundraiser as well. Sign up here or email us at forfreedom@dalitfreedom.net.

Aruna's Story & How You Can Help A Child Like Her

"My name is Aruna. I am 12 years old. I have been a student for eight years now. I love going to school. My favourite subject is math, but I also enjoy playing Kabbadi (a popular Indian team game.)

My family is very poor. We own a small piece of land. All our money comes from what we grow on our land. Each month, the six of us have to get by on 3,000 Rupees (approx. USD 60). My grandparents live with us. They are both sick, but we don’t have enough money for the hospital.  

In two years I will graduate from school. I can hardly wait!"

Access to a quality English education gives children like Aruna a chance to claim their place in society and live a life free of  discrimination and poverty.

This spring, you can give a Dalit child like her the tools to stay in school and lead a free life! Start your own fundraiser today, and send a Dalit child back to school for another year!

Learn more about the "What Will You Do For Freedom?" campaign, and sign up for your own fundraiser here.