J992N SISP Second Chances India

Situation

Kovalam, located in the southern coastal region of Trivandrum, India, is home to nearly 120,000 people affected by poverty. Many rely on fishing but struggle with low wages, alcoholism, and domestic violence. As a result, hundreds of youth, especially girls aged 15-17, drop out after 10th grade, often forced into work, begging, or exploitation.

Objectives

The SISP (Sebastian Indian Social Projects) Second Chances India project empowers youth through education and sports, accelerating social and economic change in rural coastal communities by ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The following activities are implemented:

• Providing free second-chance education for school dropouts, prioritising girls.
• Using sports as motivational tools, including:
• Football, Surfing, Skateboarding, Dancing, Swimming, Cricket, Volleyball, Yoga, and a Coding Club.
• Fostering self-esteem, gender equality, and awareness of health risks.
• Offering skill-building, mentorship, and a safe space for growth.
• Supporting families with financial allowances and home visits to ensure retention.
• Providing meals and transport to eliminate barriers to education.
• Offering part-time study and job training for older students.
• Enforcing a "No School, No Skating/Surfing" policy to encourage attendance.

Through education, sports, and social support, J992N breaks the cycles of poverty, empowering youth and women to build stronger communities. By fostering confidence, life skills and resilience, the program helps students create a path toward a brighter and more sustainable future.