THE SISA Schools Programme
A one-year membership starting from July 1, 2026 for schools that want to become
Safer, Inclusive and Self-Affirming for their students
Why this programme
Schools and teachers are encountering questions on gender and sexuality that they aren’t prepared for:
- “What does consent really mean in a relationship?”
- “My friend is being body-shamed online. What should we do?”
- “Is it normal to feel attracted to someone of the same gender?”
- “Why are periods still considered shameful?”
Educators and schools are crucial to realising NEP 2020’s vision of holistic development, ethical reasoning, gender sensitivity, constitutional values, health, and safe and inclusive school environments.
But although schools and educators increasingly understand they have to engage on these issues, they’re unsure where to begin. Educators struggle with what to share, how to contextualise it, how to navigate potential resistance from parents or communities. Schools may not have affirming (i.e. not fear-based/policing) policies, leading to school environments that reinforce stigma and harmful behaviours.
TARSHI has worked with schools and educators for over 25 years on these topics.
Introducing SISA Schools Programme, TARSHI’s new membership-based programme that seeks to enable schools across India to create Safe, Inclusive and Self-Affirming (SISA) ecosystems for their students. Join now to access sustained trainings, resources, and to develop school policies and practices that align with safety and inclusion.
Objectives
- Strengthen ecosystem of schools in India that have trained staff and policies to support SISA school campuses (in the context of gender and sexuality)
- Improve quality implementation of gender equity and sexuality education in India co-created with schools’ support and experience
- Enable collaborative and cross-learning approaches on gender, safety, wellbeing and related life skills in school settings
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Schools based in India (private, public, charitable, international) + institutions working with schools
Up to 5 teachers, counsellors or leadership members per school interested in taking forward CSE
Why join?
- Age- and stage-appropriate guidance: Educators understand what topics related to gender and sexuality can be discussed and how, based on students’ ages and stages of learning
- Confidence instead of anxiety: Educators slowly overcome hesitation and anxiety with talking about difficult or confusing topics, from reproduction and menstruation, to LGBTQIA+ and safety
- Resources to support conversations: Educators and schools get access case studies, videos, exercises and tips on how to hold these conversations in the classroom
- Policy and guidelines: Schools understand and adapt policies relevant to their contexts, from POCSO Act (2012) to POSH Act (2013) to other policies for student safety and wellbeing
- Continuous learning through community: Participants get access to a network of schools and educators at various stages of implementing these conversations, to learn from and exchange ideas
What will the SISA Schools Programme include?
Membership details and benefits
- Inaugural membership fee of INR 15,000-INR 30,000 (+ GST) per year (see below for details)
- Certificates for teachers and school that complete all required activities in the given year
- Discount on TARSHI’s other offerings for schools, such as trainings and resources
- Referrals to other teacher trainings
- Badge to be displayed on school website and social media
| Average student fee | TARSHI programme fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Below INR 25,000 | INR 15,000 + GST | |
| INR 25,000-50,000 | INR 20,000 + GST | |
| INR 50,000-1.5 Lakhs | INR 25,000 + GST | |
| Above INR 1.5 Lakhs | INR 30,000 + GST |
Got any questions? Write to tarshiweb@tarshi.net.