A closer look at how we are empowering the next generation of leaders in South Gujarat
There is more to the breathtaking landscapes of South Gujarat than just natural beauty. Here, you will find communities rich in heritage, resilience, and untapped potential.
However, these southern districts are also home to a large tribal population facing immense systemic hardships. For many families, local employment is incredibly scarce, and the heavy weight of poverty continues to pass from one generation to the next.
Through our education program, Educate 2 Success (E2S), we seek out local, passionate changemakers like the Malvi Educational and Charitable Trust (MECT).
Real Stories of Hope and Resilience
Share & Care recognizes that big structural changes begin with nurturing children. With our support, MECT runs two specialized institutions: Shantaba Vidyalaya, a school dedicated to tribal boys, and Roop Kunvarba Kanya Vidyalaya, serving tribal girls and young children.
These schools cater to children most vulnerable at home. 98% of the students are tribal, over 60% are young girls, and the majority of students come from complex or deeply broken families — 40% of which are orphans or from single-parent homes.
To ensure that financial hardship never stands in the way of human potential, these services are provided free of charge. Everything from textbooks to housing is provided with reverence and care.
To truly understand the power of this program, we share the stories of two young minds whose lives have been completely transformed.
Ms. Rhea Garasiya — Following the Trailblazers
Hailing from the small village of Virval in Dharampur taluka, Rhea is known by her teachers as exceptionally industrious, though reticent and shy. Her parents are tribal farmers working tirelessly and humbly to build a future for their family. Rhea joined MECT’s school in the 9th standard and instantly poured her heart and soul into her studies, scoring an impressive 86% in her SSC exams and ranking among the top 5 in the school.
Now in the 11th standard studying Science, Rhea hopes to become a doctor. Rhea is following the same path as Dr. Piyush, an MECT alumnus from her exact same village who became a doctor earlier this year. With the backing of the Share & Care Foundation, Rhea is confident she will live up to her community’s expectations and make her teachers and herself proud.
Ms. Rinku Diva — Overcoming the Odds
Rinku comes from Kosbadi, one of the most remote villages in South Gujarat bordering Maharashtra. Rinku lost her father at an early age, and her mother works as a marginal farmer, supplementing their meager income by also working in other farm fields. Rinku was attending an outreach camp at Shantaba School while studying at a local Ashramshala when she heard about Educate 2 Success.
She had always dreamed of a career in science and was overjoyed to gain access to the school’s robust lab infrastructure and premium entrance exam coaching. Today, she feels profoundly blessed to have the financial sponsorship and support of Share & Care, which has completely altered the trajectory of her life.
Watch to learn more about the students and this program:
A Sanctuary of Holistic Development: Vatsalyadam
At Share & Care, we firmly believe that gender equity, healthcare, and sustainable, high-impact education are the ultimate keys to breaking this cycle.
To attain true empowerment for these children, this program requires more than just a classroom — it requires an ecosystem. At the heart of our joint intervention is Vatsalyadam, a supportive residential home for students to live comfortably. Here, the children are nurtured in ways they’ve never known before:
- Modernized Learning: The campus features smart classrooms and state-of-the-art STEM laboratories, striking the perfect balance between local cultural and global educational trends.
- Comprehensive Care: Students receive carefully prepared nutritious meals four times a day, with fresh milk sourced directly from Vatsalyadam’s Goshala (dairy). A mini nursing center provides 24/7 access to healthcare.
- Advanced Guidance: To level the playing field, students have access to professional coaching from reputable institutes such as Aakash Classes for highly competitive medical and engineering entrance exams.
Looking Ahead: The Vision to Double Our Impact
The results speak for themselves. Students have achieved incredible milestones in their SSE and HSSE examinations. Astoundingly, more than half of the HSC Science students have qualified for professional medical courses such as MBBS, BAMS, and BHMS. Over the past four years alone, 70 students from the Kukeri campuses have secured admission to medical school — 56 of whom are tribal girls.
While we celebrate these incredible victories, the need in these tribal regions remains vast. Thanks to our donors, in the coming school year, Share & Care has pledged $20,000 and set the ambitious but vital goal of supporting 250+ students. These students will become ambassadors in their communities, showing what’s possible when effort meets opportunity.
Won’t you consider making a contribution to Share & Care Foundation’s Educate 2 Success program today?
Together, we can welcome twice as many tribal children next term.
SUPPORT THE E2S PROGRAM TODAY
