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Dalits (previously known as ‘untouchables’) in India have for long been discriminated against along with other low caste groups. In contexts where there is hostility to Christianity, often whipped up for political reasons, Christian dalits can be doubly persecuted because of their caste status and their faith.
Dalits traditionally occupy the most degrading low-paid jobs, like garbage cleaning or handling sewage. Meanwhile, dalit children often go largely without schooling, depriving them of the opportunity to improve their standards of living.
Barnabas Aid has been supporting education projects in India since 2004, and currently supports four different Christian programmes with a total of 400 children. It costs about £25 (US$40)per year per child to provide tuition, books, other school materials and uniforms.
