Though more girls in India are going to school today, their literacy levels continue to lag behind those of boys. Those from the lower dalit or 'untouchable' caste face especially tough barriers.

Male literacy is at 70 per cent, while only 48 per cent of girls are literate. This falls as low as eight per cent in dalit communities where education is often not seen as a priority. Many families keep their daughters at home to help with the chores while sending their sons off to school.

Oxfam India's programme on education promotes the rights of vulnerable girls to quality education through schools that focus specifically on minority communities.

Two such schools in Uttar Pradesh were established as the result of collaboration between Oxfam and local NGOs. Altogether in the programme there are four schools providing primary education for about 500 children, around 60 per cent of whom are girls. Many travel from several kilometres every day to attend classes.

The curriculum has an emphasis on literacy and numeracy. It includes science, history, and geography and also provides good opportunities for art, drama, dance and music. The schools also help develop good habits of hygiene, which can be neglected in the village life of the poorest communities.