Raising the levels of literacy among the tribal children: Easier teaching methods introduced by volunteers – Andhra Pradesh

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About 9.58 % of the population of Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh are tribals who live in remote hilly areas. The region is predominantly populated by the Savara, Kondadora, and Jatapu tribes, and the average literacy rate is only 59 %. The low levels of literacy are attributed to high drop-out rates among the tribal children, who face difficulty in understanding the medium of instruction, which is in Telugu. […]

In 2010, Aide et Action, an international NGO, introduced ‘Back to Basics’, a concept to improve the quality of teaching and learning in the schools with the support of ARTS, a local NGO. Accordingly, 82 government primary schools in Kurupam, Gummalakshipuram, and Jiyyamvalasa mandals were identified and provided with a volunteer who would work closely with the teachers.

As a result of the efforts of the volunteers, the children who once shied away from school started attending regularly. The results are very encouraging.
Most of the children who were about to drop out of school have completed their schooling with good grades.
“I was very afraid of attending class. It was very difficult for me to even write in Telugu looking at the board. Though my mind would read the word, my hand would not support me in writing it. But the volunteer taught me using many easy methods. He helped me set a goal and even encouraged me to practice archery. I am now a district-level archer, and aim to become a police officer,” said Parvathi. A Class XI student, she passed her Class X with an A grade. Parvathi is among the first batch of students introduced to the ‘Back to Basics’ concepts.

(The author is a Team Member with Aide et Action International South Asia.)

Source: Volunteers Are Helping Andhra Pradesh’s Tribal Children Excel in Studies
Address: https://www.thebetterindia.com/87971/volunteers-help-andhra-pradesh-tribal-children-excel/
Date Visited: 2 July 2023

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