The six-month Grihini residential program comprises about 30 women, aged between 13 and 23. Some are Adivasi (or Tribals); some are from Dalit colonies (or “Harijan”); some come from colonies of Tamils repatriated from Sri Lanka and some are from “other lower caste” colonies. All are poor with limited or no education. The teachers do not educate the girls out of their villages but equip them to return to their homes and to practise what they have learned about hygiene, nutrition, the environment, caste oppression and empowerment. Women who have been through the program typically ensure their own children receive a good education. “A good education” refers to the role of education in helping to realise positive futures for those who live and work in social contexts where there seems to be little hope.