Blossom Projects is an educational residence for young women and men who have dropped out of school in Kerala, where they can continue their academic study and develop confidence. Our curriculum emphasizes communicative English, public speaking, computer skills, the arts and academic mastery.
Why Blossom PROJECTS?
In Kerala, the dropout rate for girls is very high in the Dalit community, those traditionally-considered “untouchable.” Girls’ individual excellence is not encouraged by their families, their communities or the society at large. Further, girls are often pressured to work before they finish their education. However, if these girls live in an environment where boys and girls support and encourage one another, where they can feel secure, loved and cared for, they will build their self-esteem. This is our motivation and this is the inspiration for Blossom Projects.
SUCCESS IN NUMBERS
We have seen incredible success in our programs year after year. After graduating from any of our tracks (intensive literacy, high-school extended, summer and winter camps) our students reenroll in the state school system, join vocational training, or secure a job.
Over 1200+ students have enrolled and participated in our programs since 2012.
Our 2021-2022 program for 10+2 students saw a 100% pass rate!
All nine students passed their 12th grade through our long-term immersion program
Why Are Girls and Boys Learning Together?
Initially we had established a residential program in 2012 for boys who had dropped out of school. Through training in Communicative English, computer literacy, personality development, and the Arts, along with daily meditation, we saw incredible success. Our students prepared their own meals and cleaned their hostel and the classrooms, and learnt how to collaborate and lead.
Because of this success with the boys program, many parents requested that we run a similar program for their daughters to study with us. Bringing girls into Blossom Projects allows us to offer the same program for girls that we do for boys. The hostels are segregated by gender and the daily classes at the academy are led in a mixed-gender environment of mutual respect and encouragement. All students are encouraged to express themselves, to actively listen, and to collaborate.
Students learning together
How Does Blossom PROJECTS WORK?
Blossom Projects consists of two secure single-gender residential communities, overseen by wardens. Students stay for ten months, attending courses during the day in mixed-gender classrooms. Students cook and clean their hostel and attend their courses. After the course, they may take their state exams and re-enroll in school or technical training. They also have an opportunity to return to their own villages, serving as youth leaders, training younger students and creating their own unique social projects, with the help of our Lokuttara Leadership Academy alumni network.
Everyone associated with Blossom is required to follow the Youth Protection Policy.
GRANTEE PARTNER ON THE GROUND
In the past, we have partnered with PLANET Kerala, an FCRA-approved NGO in Kerala to fund our residential programs. PLANET Kerala believes that participation is basic to humanization, democratization, development and the dynamism that reinforces human rights, social justice and environmental sustainability.