Donate if you want this film to take the next step

It’s a story you have probably been through a thousand times before — a young girl from an underprivileged background denied the right to education. Now, what if you had the power to change her future? A Girl Story gives you that chance. A newly-launched donation-based film series by the nonprofit group Project Nanhi Kali, the short animation movie brings to life the experiences of many underprivileged girls in India.

Started in 1996 by the KC Mahindra Education Trust, Project Nanhi Kali strives to provide primary education to underprivileged girls in India. “We wanted to create global awareness about the plight of young girls in the country who are denied their basic right,” says Sheetal Mehta, president, Project Nanhi Kali and Mahindra Foundation USA.

The story proceeds as seen through the eyes of Tarla, a young girl who wants to go to school. The story unfolds in chapters, beginning with an introduction to her life. Tarla is a young girl, forced into doing household chores as her parents have to go for work. She envies her brother who is allowed to go to school and get an education.

Tarla’s story is a silent one where her big eyes well up with tears, her teardrops turn to water with which she swabs the floor, her relief on hearing the school bell ring — all speak louder than words.

Donors can watch Tarla’s story unfold, chapter by chapter on the website www.agirlstory.org. Eleven chapters have been created so far. However, one can go on to the next chapter only if collective donations reach $1,000. People can pay the amount of their choice through PayPal.

The world’s first donation-based film series online, A Girl Story has been directed and conceptualised by the advertising agency StrawberryFrog who were so moved by the stories that they agreed to do the film for free. “It’s one of the most important movements that we all need to get behind. Educate a girl and you educate a family, reduce disease, over-population and environmental degradation,” says Scott Goodson, founder and CEO, StrawberryFrog.

One can even follow the story on Facebook and Twitter. “StrawberryFrog is constantly on the lookout to use media in new and amazing ways, with ideas that make you think and open your eyes to innovative ways of seeing things,” says Goodson, who has been working with Project Nanhi Kali for over two years.

For more information log on to: www.agirlstory.org.