We are pleased to share the launch of our first pilot initiative in the domain of Primary Education with the first batch comprising 30 students of class I to class V.
During the course of our field work, we have realized that poor reading & comprehension abilities adversely impact learning in all subjects. This is clearly reflected in the emphasis ASER (Annual Status of Education Report) lays on the three Rs (Read, Write and Arithmetic) of learning. The latest ASER (Annual Status of Education Report) clearly indicates that while the enrollment level is near universal, only 48% of Class 5 students can read a Class 2 text. Also, quality of arithmetic learning still remains a challenge. The all India (rural) figures for basic arithmetic have remained virtually unchanged over the last few years. In 2012, 26.3% of Class 3 children could do a two-digit subtraction. This number is at 25.3% in 2014.
Keeping these facts and our own experience in view, our ‘Shiksha Kendra’, started two months ago in Manihari block (Katihar, Bihar), focuses on primary reading (Hindi), writing, understanding and arithmetical ability for all students.
The primary goal is to develop this pilot into a replicable programme that can be smoothly integrated with the Government’s Primary Education programme at a more impactful and bigger scale. We’ll keep reviewing the impact of this pilot for one year and accordingly, take a call on how to take it forward.