Launched in 2012 in partnership with BRAC Bangladesh, as English and IT for Adolescents (EITA), the project has now further developed into English and Digital for Girls' Education (EDGE), which aims to improve the life prospects of adolescent girls in socio-economically marginalised communities in Bangladesh, India and Nepal.
The programme focused on enhancing participants’ English proficiency, digital skills and awareness of social issues. As a result, they were able to make more informed and independent life choices, as is their right, in order to contribute more fully to the family, the economy and society. In addition, the programme aimed to improve the leadership skills of a smaller group of peer leaders drawn from the same communities of adolescent girls.
In 2015-16, British Council Nepal partnered with the US Embassy in Kathmandu and Equal Access Nepal to deliver a pilot project to adolescent girls from marginalised communities in after-school, non-formal, safe spaces in their communities. Participants developed English and digital skills using self-access learning resources installed on laptops/phablets. In addition, a series of flashcards and games developed grammar, functional language and vocabulary skills were provided to teach effectively.
This year British Council Nepal and VSO Nepal have signed a 4 year contract to implement British Council’s English and Digital for Girls’ Education (EDGE) programme as part of VSO’s wider Sisters for Sisters’ Education II project.
Sisters for Sisters' Education II (SfSE-II) project is funded by DFID’s Girls’ Education Challenge Transition Window (GEC T) and builds on the achievements of phase I (2013 – 2017). Through improved access to quality education, SfSE-II envisions that marginalised adolescent girls from rural Nepal will transition from basic to secondary education, and secondary to upper secondary, empowered to leave school to either secure a sustainable livelihood or continue with education. They will be equipped with skills that improve employability, enhance confidence and self-esteem to act as leaders, and enable them to influence and control their own sexual and reproductive health rights. The project will work in 48 schools across four districts targeting 17220 adolescent girls. Two local NGOs are also in the SfSE-II consortium: Global Action Nepal and Aasaman Nepal will be supporting implementation across the 4 districts.
EDGE in SfSE-II contributes to intermediate outcome 2- Increased self-esteem and empowerment of girls. The project will use the regional EDGE club model and resources with some local adaptations to enhance participants' English proficiency, digital skills and social / life skills.
If you would like to know more about the programme or partner with us, please write to Bhogendra.Lamichhane@britishcouncil.org.np, Project Manager, English and Digital for Girls’ Education.