Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand’s stunning beauty has an ugly side in the form of persistent illiteracy among its children, especially its girls. According to the most recent census, the overall literacy rate of Uttarakhand was 71.6% (83.3% for males and 59.6% for females); compared to India’s literacy rate of 65.38%.
While the learning levels and the rate of enrollment in the State are above the Indian average, there remains much work to be done. According to our ASER 2010 study, only about half of 5th graders could do simple division problem.
In Uttarakhand, our flagship Read India program takes a unique form. Our Block Excellence Program (BEP) is supplemented by short-term partnerships with the state government. The overall goal is to promote effective classroom practices with a focus on child-centric teaching. And through the arrangement, BEP volunteers are allowed to teach in government schools.
Through government partnerships and volunteer efforts like this, Pratham is making a difference through a range of programs:
Block Excellence Program (BEP)
This program was implemented in 15 blocks (BEPs) of 13 districts, with around 100 schools in each BEP. In these blocks, Pratham mobilizes volunteers to give classes in government schools. These volunteers are trained in Pratham’s teaching methods, and they supplement the work of government teachers to maximize student performance.
Remedial Program
Through a partnership with the state government, we offer remedial programs for over 21,500 children spread across four districts. The program aims to improve kids’ basic math and reading levels. In the program, volunteers provide focused attention on children in need of extra support. Pratham provides materials and training for volunteers and tracks the overall results of children.
English Program
We run a special English-language partnership program with the government Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). Pratham provides: teacher training, volunteer instruction and compensation, and child-friendly materials, which are customized for the region.
Bal Patrika Magazine
This quarterly children’s magazine was developed jointly by Pratham and the government SSA to provide fun, accessible supplementary reading to schools across Uttarakhand.
Help Pratham bring education equality to the girls of Uttarakhand. Make a contribution that helps all the kids of this state.
