Empower Now: Nurturing Education, Skill, and Opportunity in Rural Bengal

The Empower Now project, supported by Bay Area Prabasi (USA) and implemented by Mukti, is a community-driven initiative transforming the educational and social landscape of rural Birbhum district, West Bengal. Launched in early 2025, the project focuses on creating lasting impact through four interconnected pillars — Education, Higher Education Sponsorship, Skill Development, and Well-being.

In the rural blocks of Gohaliara and Tantipara Gram Panchayats, where access to quality education and digital learning remains limited, many students are first-generation learners facing financial hardships. Traditional livelihoods such as weaving are also struggling to survive. Empower Now was envisioned to bridge these inequalities — creating inclusive spaces where learning, creativity, and opportunity can grow together.

1. Educational Support

At the heart of the initiative are four after-school learning centers located at Bithika, Asansuli, Bahadurgunj, and Torpon, collectively supporting over 250 students. These centers provide continuous academic support, digital access, and moral guidance in a nurturing environment. Regular mock tests, internal examinations, and guardian meetings help track progress and strengthen parental engagement in the learning process.

To bridge the rural–urban divide in education, the project introduced digital classrooms for Classes IX and X and launched two Advanced Computer Training batches at the Bithika center. These steps have opened new pathways for rural students, improving both academic performance and digital literacy.

2. Higher Education Sponsorship

The Higher Education Sponsorship Program supports meritorious yet financially challenged students in pursuing their academic aspirations. Currently, six students are benefitting from the program, receiving not just financial aid but also emotional mentorship through regular home visits and performance reviews. Additional assessments are underway to identify more deserving students, ensuring that financial barriers do not interrupt their higher education journey.

3. Skill Development and Livelihood Promotion

Empower Now integrates skill-building and livelihood promotion to encourage self-reliance and entrepreneurship. A Science Workshop led by teachers from South Point School, Kolkata, sparked scientific curiosity among 50+ students. Meanwhile, Art & Craft training sessions at Bithika nurtured creativity for 30 students. The project also supported local artisans — with a textile exhibition in Kolkata showcasing handwoven products by rural weavers, connecting them to urban markets and celebrating traditional craftsmanship.

4. Sports, Cultural, and Well-being Activities

To promote holistic growth, Empower Now regularly organizes sports, cultural, and recreational activities. An inter-education center football tournament crowned Bithika as the champion, while Teachers’ Day celebrations strengthened community bonds. A proud highlight was student Arpan Ghosh winning a Silver Medal at the State-Level Taekwondo Championship — a testament to the growing confidence and discipline among rural youth.

Through its four integrated pillars, Empower Now is steadily transforming rural Birbhum — empowering children with education, youth with skills, and communities with renewed hope for a sustainable and equitable future.