Schools of Equality is a social enterprise that generates commercial revenue from private schools, cross-subsidizing the rolling out of its human rights curriculum to state-run schools. It was set up in 2014 as a non-profit legal entity under Indian law. Charitable grants have also contributed start-up capital and on-going support.

Theory of Change

Tackling gender-based violence and other forms of identity-based discrimination requires transforming societal attitudes and practices, which are most easily influenced when children are at the formative stage during early years of schooling.

Activities

Schools of Equality conducts experiential programs in schools to sensitize children to inequalities entrenched in society. These programs encourage them to be introspective, to examine their own attitudes and unconscious biases, to question notions of power and privilege related to identity, and to foster inclusion and empathy by respecting each other’s beliefs and rights. As part of the program, students learn about their rights and take action to build communities of respect.

Results

Schools of Equality’s programs have been introduced in public and private schools in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka through cooperative agreements with governmental education agencies and private educational institutions. Its creative rights-based curricular support has shaped the values of thousands of Indian students, who have in turn worked with local artists and social activists to influence their parents and teachers to create inclusive schools.