Second Chance Day School - Jhalawar

Supporting Rural Youth since 2016

Nestled in the rural expanse of Jhalawar, Rajasthan, the Second Chance Day School was launched in November 2016 as a response to the untapped potential and unmet aspirations of young people and women in the region. Before initiating the programme, Ritinjali conducted a comprehensive baseline survey across several villages, speaking with over 80 individuals to understand their needs, ambitions, and challenges.

The findings were powerful. Young adults—both boys and girls—expressed a strong interest in computer training, income generation, and vocational pathways such as tailoring, plumbing, and beautician courses. Many women shared a deep desire to revive traditional skills like Khadi weaving and garment-making. Others, who had dropped out of school, hoped to continue their education through open and distance learning models.

In response, Ritinjali established a multi-pronged programme designed to support both economic empowerment and lifelong learning. The Computer Literacy Centre was the first to open, beginning with 12 students and steadily growing to serve youth from Munderi, Patpadia, Semli, Kolana, Guwadi, and other nearby villages. Soon after, a Tailoring and Stitching Centre was launched, enrolling local women in structured courses that allowed them to stitch for both home use and market demand.

True to the community’s aspirations, a Handloom Centre was added to revive the art of weaving. Women were trained to create handwoven fabrics, some of which were used to produce uniforms for local schools, creating a localised and sustainable ecosystem. A plumbing course was also introduced to offer skill-building opportunities in non-traditional sectors for rural youth.

The Second Chance Day School exemplifies Ritinjali’s belief in contextual, need-based education. Rooted in the realities of rural Rajasthan, it is a space for second chances—for learning new skills, gaining confidence, and charting a path to independence and dignity.