No. India has similar grade levels, but the system is more exam heavy, and even government schools require families to pay for uniforms, books, supplies, transportation, and exam fees. Girls from Dalit (“untouchable or backward caste”) communities usually 
attend government schools but cannot afford these required costs as parents make $2 and $5 respectively as daily wages. Education is the privilege of the elite. Children are forced to follow the path of the parent’s occupation and so stay in the cycle of poverty and 
oppression.

Grades 9–10 are provided in government schools, but they are not truly free. Families must pay for uniforms, textbooks, notebooks, school bags, shoes, transport, exam fees, and extra classes. For families living in poverty, these costs are too high. This is why sponsorship is required even for children studying in government schools.

High school begins at age 12–17 and includes:
- Grades 6–10 (5 years) High School
- Grades 11–12 (2 years) College
- Total: 7 years.
Costs increase each year and grade due to rising exam fees, book fees, and transportation needs. Most of the poor stop attending school in the middle of high school, as they see no hope and are lost in a generational cycle of poverty and subjection. This is the most vulnerable age for trafficking and child marriage.

Grades 6 –12 may be public, semi-private, or private, depending on what is available in the area. Even in public higher secondary schools, families must pay for costlier books, science lab fees, board exam fees, and transportation (these schools are often farther away). Most Dalit girls cannot afford this level of costs without a sponsor.

Government schools offer only free tuition, one set of uniform, and a midday meal. All other expenses — additional uniforms, shoes, tie, belt, socks, toiletries, transportation, exam fees, notebooks, medical needs (including sanitary napkins), and higher-grade study materials — must be paid by the students. These costs make it difficult for many girls to continue their high school education.

Sponsorship fills all the financial gaps that keep girls from staying in school, including:
- Uniforms and shoes
- Textbooks and notebooks
- School supplies and backpack
- Transportation (bus, auto, or bike)
- Mandatory exam fees (Grade 10 and Grade 12)
- Tutoring for difficult subjects
- Science lab fees
- Meals/snacks during long school days
- Medical and dental expenses
- Toiletries
This support is often the only reason a girl can continue her education.

Parish priests and religious nuns choose the neediest children based on criteria that include:
- Family income and financial strain
- Caste and social disadvantage
- Distance and safety concerns
- Risk of early marriage or dropout
- Motivation to stay in school
- Parental support
- Whether they have been rescued from trafficking
Sponsorship is given only to girls who cannot continue school without assistance, even if they attend government schools.

Students are encouraged, but never pressured, to send occasional updates, such as short notes about school, exam results, or life events. Many girls are shy at first, especially if they come from families with little literacy, so communication may grow slowly over time. Sponsors can expect:
1. Regular progress reports
2. Family story
3. Future dreams and aspirations
4. Faith journey, programs and achievements

Yes. You are welcome to write. Messages are delivered in a culturally sensitive and safe manner. Students may take a while to respond, especially during exams, and translation is needed. Letters of encouragement are deeply meaningful and often become treasured keepsakes for the girls. Please communicate with girls through the office staff at Our Lady of the Rosary.
Send letter to:
Fr. Raju Chebattina
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church
2348 Collier Pkwy
Land O' Lakes, FL 34639
Attention: India Mission
Father will get them delivered via email scan or mail delivery

Sponsoring a girl’s education and essential needs costs $1 per day, which comes to $365 per year. This amount covers school related expenses that her family cannot afford, ensuring she can stay in school safely and successfully.

Every rupee and dollar from your sponsorship is used directly for the girl’s education and essential needs. The money covers items her family cannot afford, such as uniforms, books, school supplies, transportation, exam fees, tutoring, meals, medical care, and personal hygiene items. All expenses are carefully monitored by the parish priest, religious sisters, and designated staff to ensure the money is used only for the sponsored student’s education and wellbeing. No amount is given directly to the family. Instead, all purchases and payments are made through the school or program to guarantee full accountability and transparency.

The safety of every sponsored girl is a top priority. Girls are regularly monitored by the parish priest, nuns, teachers, and local staff who know their family situation and community environment. Safe transportation arrangements are encouraged, and girls receive guidance on personal safety, health, and school attendance. If a girl faces any risk such as pressure for early marriage, unsafe travel routes, or family issues, staff intervene immediately to protect her and support her continued education. Regular check-ins, home visits, and school visits help ensure each girl remains safe and supported.