The Ultimate Underdogs: Dalit Children Rise Above Untouchability

Dear friend,

One thousand students in South India are breaking all the rules.

For centuries, their society has said they are "untouchable," too lowly to even be included in the Hindu religion's caste system. In the past not even their shadows were to cross a person of higher caste nor were they to drink from the same well.  Despite making up nearly one-third of India's billion-plus population, the "Dalits" continue to face open social discrimination, denial of educational opportunities, and access to only menial-wage jobs.

But the children at Bible Faith Mission are breaking down the stereotypes that have held their people down for centuries. And it all started with the dream of one man.

For many years, our partner Bishop Moses Swamidas desired to start a Christian school for Dalit children to equip them to break the cycle of poverty and pursue their dreams for college and ministry service. That dream became a reality when the ministry he leads, Bible Faith Mission, launched its own school in South India in 2005.

Today, the school has nearly 1,000 students through grade 10, open to children of all castes. Bishop Moses Swamidas' hope is that by learning and playing together, barriers between castes will be broken.

The school's achievements in just a short period of time are remarkable. In December 2006, the school reached a milestone - accreditation by India's Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in New Delhi. In July 2007, the school won first place in a state-wide competition of student performance in general knowledge, English, science, and math. The children and school leaders were so proud of their accomplishment!

Partners International has supported the school since its inception, and this year we hope to help BFM construct a secondary school that will prepare older students for college. In order to proceed with their plans for expansion, a third floor addition is required. BFM hopes to have the project fully funded by June 2009 so that the current group of tenth graders can progress to grade eleven in June 2010 without interruption to their education.
 
Partners International and our affiliate in Canada have already committed $130,000 toward this need. We are looking to match this amount as soon as possible so that the development of the school can continue on schedule. Would you consider giving a gift today to help us reach this goal?
 
Despite the overt injustice they face, thousands of Dalits are finding true freedom and dignity through salvation in Jesus Christ. And this school may be paving the way for freedom from caste as well.

Under His Wings,

Jon Lewis
President and CEO

Partners International
1117 E. Westview Court
Spokane, WA 99218 USA
(800) 966-5515
www.partnersintl.org
www.harvestofhope.org

Partners International is a global ministry that works to create and grow communities of Christian witness in partnership with God's people in the least Christian regions of the world.

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