16% of the world’s population over the age of 15 can’t read or write at a basic level. India alone ranks among the top 10 nations in the world with the highest numbers of drop out-of children in primary level, one of the main reasons being poverty. A disproportionate number of these children in India are girls.

Today, education remains an inaccessible right for thousands of poor children in India, the numbers only growing due to persistent marginalisation and growing economy. If the current trend continues, millions of underprivileged children will probably never set foot in a classroom. The detrimental effects of uneducated poor children will continue to advance child labor, child marriages and domestic crime.

Today, “the voice” of every underprivileged child reaches out to be heard, yet many of their words appear muffled to our ears amidst a noisy world, never to be acknowledged, hidden and silenced under the statistics of poverty.

Education is one of the most powerful tools for empowering people to live more fulfilled lives. A child — or an adult — with an education is far more likely to escape the bondage of slavery, child abuse, human trafficking and other perils.

“The Voice” is committed to seeing children reap the benefits of quality education and therefore explore a better future. With such hope, there is a greater likelihood that they will escape poverty, avoid exploitation, and improve personal health.

“The Voice” Project is currently completing a school building in Khutil, a small rural village in the State of Maharashtra in western India. The school which first began in a small hut will now support better facilities as well as provide school products. The Voice also sponsors school fees for some children.

Together, we can give them an opportunity to let their voice be heard.