Why Empower Girls?
Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, among India’s most underprivileged regions, face a dual burden of poverty and entrenched gender inequality. Women in these areas face numerous challenges, including restricted access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
Female literacy in Bihar is alarmingly low at just 53%, significantly below the national average of 70%. Limited access to education, coupled with societal norms that restrict women’s mobility and decision-making power, reinforces systemic inequality and marginalization. This intersection of poverty, gender disparity, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure perpetuates a cycle of deprivation that impedes progress and development. Akhand Jyoti’s mission focuses on empowering girls to break the cycles of poverty and inequality, creating a future with better education, healthcare, and equal opportunities.
The 'Football to Eyeball' Girl's Education Program
The ‘Football to Eyeball’ Girls’ Education program is one of Akhand Jyoti’s most ground-breaking initiatives. It leverages the power of sport to break gender barriers and engage rural girls who would otherwise have limited opportunities. Football serves as an entry point to challenge deeply rooted social norms, foster confidence, and build trust within communities.
Once engaged, these girls are offered comprehensive education and training to become qualified optometrists. Upon completing their training, they join Akhand Jyoti’s workforce, contributing directly to the hospital’s blindness elimination mission. Beyond technical training, this program empowers girls to take control of their futures, breaking cycles of poverty and inspiring others in their communities.
KNOW MORESince 2009, this transformative five-stage program has been continuously empowering girls from marginalized communities, enabling them to become skilled professionals and agents of change.
- Football boosts girls' self-esteem and confidence, inspiring them to pursue their dreams.
- Girls gain self-sufficiency through a foundational course, preparing for university-level optometry certification.
- They complete four years of rigorous training to become skilled optometrists with practical experience.
- Graduates secure sustainable employment at Akhand Jyoti, earning five times their family's income.
- Girls transform into community role models, driving societal change and inspiring empowerment.
Our Impact
Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital's impact over the last 16 years
Help Us So That We Can Help These Girls
Through the ‘Football to Eyeball’ Girls’ Education Program, part of Vision 2030, we aim to educate, train, and empower 1,500 girls to become optometrists and healthcare professionals. These young women will lead community-based eye screening programs, bringing essential eye care to every village while inspiring change and reducing gender disparities as role models in their communities. Your support can help us transform their futures and empower them to uplift entire communities. Join us in making this vision a reality!
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‘Football to Eyeball’ Program
The signature sports-based girls education program with a guaranteed job at the end of it.
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Eye Health
We will always be dedicated to restoring sight for underprivileged, visually impaired patients.
Women Empowerment
We will always work to support rural underprivileged girls and women and help them get equal opportunities.
Targeted Rural Interventions
We will continue to work only in low-income geographies to support the most deprived people.
