On National Girl Child Day, Games24x7 Foundation, the non-profit extension of Games24x7, an online skill gaming company has introduced ‘Wheels of Change.’ In response to the substantial challenge posed by the 5.50 lakh out-of-school girls in India, this initiative aims to tackle the prevalent issue of distance hindering girl students, often a decisive factor leading to unfortunate dropouts, according to an official release.
In the 2021-2022 academic year, Maharashtra recorded a 10.7% annual dropout rate at the secondary level (compared to the national average of 12.6%), with some districts exceeding 15%. Recognising this as an impediment to achieving the National Education Policy’s goal of 100% enrollment by 2030, Games24x7 Foundation is gearing up to distribute 1,000 bicycles in the Dharashiv district—specifically in Bhoom, Washi and Paranda. The objective is to provide deserving girls with a sense of independence, security, and shorter commutes, thereby dismantling barriers to education, the release mentioned.
“Through the ‘Wheels of Change’ initiative, we aim to empower a cultural transformation, fostering a society where learning and aspiration know no bounds. This endeavour is fueled by the unwavering support of the Ministry of Public Health and Family Welfare, Government of Maharashtra, propelling our mission to build an inclusive and progressive future,” Bhavin Pandya, co-founder and Co-CEO, Games24x7, said.
‘Wheels of Change’ represents Games24x7 Foundation’s impactful initiative, building on Games24x7’s successful endeavours in education, hunger alleviation and healthcare. Through collaboration with local authorities, the Foundation claims to conduct orientation sessions on road safety and compile data on attendance, punctuality and educational aspirations, providing valuable insights into the transformative impact of the initiative. This marks a crucial step in the Foundation’s mission to establish a framework that fosters lasting impact for future generations, as per the release.