In the initial years Disha implemented a project on adult literacy. The most notable observation of this project was along with adult women, adolescent girls came to the classes in large numbers. Expectations of adolescent girls, particularly those belonging to the Muslim community were especially high. To meet these expectations, Disha decided to provide educational facilities to the adolescent girls. These are the girls who have missed regular schooling because of religious, societal and familial reasons (taking care of younger siblings, assisting mothers in household chores, etc.). 

At present education centres for adolescent girls are being run in 10 villages of the operational area. Instructors in these education centres are local and highly motivated ones. Education is imparted to the girls on mainstream education system, with certain value additions, so as to prepare them for their lives and higher education, if they wish to pursue them.  

Participation of the parents and students is key to the activities of educational centres. Parents of the ‘students’ in the centres are involved through parent-teacher meetings held every month. Instances of absence of ‘students’ are given considerable importance in the parent-teacher meetings and parents are requested to send their wards to the centres regularly. Students are given freedom to decide their own uniform. 

Of late step have been initiated to make education centres for adolescent girls sustainable. The parents of ‘students’ have started making a nominal contribution of Rs 10 per month to meet out part of expenses of the centres. In addition, they are also arranging stationary for their wards. The books are still being made available by the organisation.

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