A Comprehensive Plan towards Adult Literacy

The Tribal population in India comprises approx. 8% of total population. In the first glance, this number seems to be small, however, there are numerous tribes spread out all across the country. Some of the most prominent ones are – the Santhals (Bengal), the Bhils (Maharashtra), the Gonds

(Madhya Pradesh), the Nagas and Khasis (Nagaland).

One of the main aims of education in India relates to ‘inclusive education’. This aim also demands that Tribal people be brought into the mainstream of social life. However, it is important to understand that most tribal groups have a distinctive culture, language and religion, which they have developed over centuries. Education of tribals must therefore ensure that in an attempt to bring them into the mainstream of social, political and economic life, these distinctive qualities are not erased.

Thus a few solutions that our group has come up with as part of an Adult Literacy Programme for the Tribal Population of any given area, are as follows;

• In remote rural/tribal areas, there is a high prevalence of superstitious beliefs. These beliefs can be eliminated by giving rational explanations to such occurrences and scientific demonstrations of what causes such natural phenomena. Only when superstitious beliefs are eliminated can there be progress towards a more enlightened future.
• Secondly it was argued by a few members that Adult Education Programmes must be timely and based on real/practical use. Thus here, since the requirements of tribal populations are evidently different as compared to rural and urban populations, it is crucial to impart skills which will enable them to improve their standards of living in the short run as well as in the long run. For instance, they can be taught the importance and use of Solar Power, Bio-gas and Irrigation techniques. The tribal women can be taught skills such as tailoring (sewing), food preservation (pickles, jams), basket making. These skills will help them contribute towards their family income.
• Thirdly, as defined by UNESCO, Basic literacy constitutes the 3 Rs – Reading, Writing and Arithmetic. Thus such basic education can also be imparted, which will enable tribal people to read bus numbers, write their own names, use basic mobile phones, and also to conduct their own business efficiently (profit and loss, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).
•  The fourth point under this Adult Education Programme would be to encourage and enlist support of NGOs and draw in funding from big corporate houses in support of the tribal people. A successful step has been taken in this direction by NGOs such as Akshar (the Bimtech school programme).
• Another suggestion by our group is that there must be substantial engagement with the sarpanch/leader of tribal village/community. This will ensure support and co-operation from the rest of the tribe as well.
• Our group is also of the opinion that Family planning camps must be held in tribal areas, so as to make tribal people aware of the concept of family planning and why it is necessary.

In conclusion, we would like to state that, Adult Literacy Programmes for Tribal Communities, though are a great initiative, in many these can only be implemented and achieved after a period of active engagement and self - involvement in the life and culture of tribes. It hence becomes imperative to understand the values, beliefs, rituals and practices of the tribal community to enable us, to successfully and effectively see these programmes to through to their ultimate goals.  

I felt quite encourage and motivated after seeing the steps taken by The NGO AKSHAR.

But according to my point of view, in remote a village, it’s very essential to understand the culture and aspects of the people like language they speak. Then by being with them once if I can recognize problem of their dropouts, I can take different steps accordingly.

In a remote village, Gram Panchayat is the head body which look after the people living. So it would be a good idea to take their help and endeavour to impart the knowledge of education. But this needs help of fellow teachers and NGOs who all play an important part.

To encourage them towards a rational goal, we can put the examples of some developed villages like “Punsari” through orientations so that they can visualize how their life would be.

After doing so, we can gradually impart the basic knowledge which would help them to co-op with the other people outer world. They can learn some basic skills like operating their own phones, reading bus numbers, etc. Farmers would get a lot of help from this initiative as they don’t have to be dependent on landowners as they can take the loan from the banks in spite of borrow money. The farmers would be able to make their nurture the plants in a scientific way. This would increase their scope. They would get good money and a good life to live.

Once this is done, they would automatically realize the importance of education and they would take initiative to make their own children educated.

Q.2  How can the parents of tribal students  be educated through Non-Formal Education?

A Revised Concise View of Solutions to Problem of Dropouts

Solutions for Reserved Category

As our group members have pointed out, the caste system, extant in our society is an evil manifestation. However we teachers must make a conscious effort to eliminate this. This change must start from ourselves, from within our mind and heart. If we as teachers practice equity and fairness in our day to day lives, our students will automatically imbibe these values from us. We also touched upon the idea that a slow but necessary change must be brought about in the attitudes of parents towards education. This can be done by showing parents the importance of education and strength of unity. 

Adding on to this list of solutions we suggest that rural schools must impart knowledge through instruction in the mother-tongue.

Also discrimination against the reserved category students is a major cause of the high drop-out rates. Three methods of reducing such discrimination and making the school environment comfortable would be Uniformity and Dignity of Labour. A sense of equality can be achieved when all students irrespective of Caste, wear the same uniform provided by the school to all students. The second method consists of imparting to all students the Dignity of Labour, which may be achieved by participation of all students, irrespective of caste, in maintaining cleanliness of school premises (i.e. cleaning the classrooms and toilets) and organizing of events such as sports day and annual day. Thirdly, the morning assembly must include prayers of all religions and every child irrespective of caste must be taught and made to recite the prayers. 

Another solution that came up and was agreed upon during our discussion was that teachers must make conscious efforts to create a student friendly environment, in which every child irrespective of his/her caste feels safe enough to pursue their desire to learn.

Solutions for Female Students 

A preference for male children is another malady prevalent in the Indian Culture. Such biased attitudes have led many, especially the rural and economically poor groups to believe that education of girls/women is inconsequential. However, we suggest that sensitization of parents towards importance of girl child education is the need of the hour. Inspirational female role models such as Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal and Kalpana Chawla can be used to motivate girls to attend school and retain them in schools. 

 Another argument we put forth is that one of the chief reasons for female students dropping out is the lack of proper toilets. The school must therefore construct toilets with running water and hygienic conditions if they wish to retain female students in school after they hit puberty. 

To add to this list of solutions, we are of the opinion that girls must be provided safe transit to and from home and school. We state this because, very often parents, especially in rural areas are afraid to send their girls to school because of increasing incidents of sexual abuse against girls. There are numerous instances where girls are sexually assaulted when on the way to or from home and school. 

Another way of minimising drop-outs of female students is to provide variety of vocational courses such as weaving/knitting/tailoring/baking. These courses equip girls with skills which can be used to augment their family's income. 

Solutions Applicable to Both Groups of Students

A further incentive, which is already being practised in many parts of India, is that of the Mid-Day Meal. However, the school must maintain quality of food served, by having various quality checks, while implementing this incentive.   

A variety of NGOs already working in the field of education could be roped in. Volunteers of such NGOs could conduct workshops and seminars for girls as well as for all students in general. Tie-ups with NGOs could also provide the school with additional funding, which can be used to improve the school infrastructure and provide better quality materials to students.

A Concise Version of Solutions to the Problem of Drop-outs in Remote Rural Schools

Solutions for Female Students 

A preference for male children is another malady prevalent in the Indian Culture. Such biased attitudes have led many, especially the rural and economically poor groups to believe that education of girls/women is inconsequential. However, as Viren has suggested, sensitization of parents towards importance of girl child education is the need of the hour. Inspirational female role models such as Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal, Kalpana Chawla can be used to motivate girls to attend school and retain them in schools.
 Nida argues that one of the chief reasons for female students dropping out is the lack of proper toilets. The school must therefore construct toilets with running water and hygienic conditions if they wish to retain female students in school after they hit puberty.
To add to the list of solutions, I, Taronish, am of the opinion that girls must be provided safe transit to and from home and school. I state this because, very often parents,especially in rural areas are afraid to send their girls to school because of increasing incidents of sexual abuse against girls. There are numerous instances where girls are sexually assaulted when on the way to or from home and school.
Another way of minimising drop-outs of female students is to provide variety of vocational courses such as weaving/knitting/tailoring/baking. These courses equip girls with skills which can be used to augment their family's income.

Solutions for Reserved Category

As Viren has pointed out, the caste system, extant in our society is an evil manifestation. However we teachers must make a conscious effort to eliminate this. This change must start from ourselves, from within our minds and hearts. If we as teachers practice equity and fairness in our daily lives, our students will automatically imbibe these values from us. Viren also touched upon the idea that a slow but necessary change must be brought about in the attitudes of parents towards education. This can be done by showing parents the importance of education and strength of unity. 

Nida added to this list of solutions by suggesting that rural schools must impart knowledge through instruction in the mother-tongue.

In addition to these solutions, I, Taronish, also feel that discrimination against the reserved category students is a major cause of the high drop-out rates. Three methods of reducing such discrimination and making the school environment comfortable so as to reduce drop-out rates, would be Uniformity, Dignity of Labour and Assembly time. A sense of equality can be achieved when all students irrespective of Caste, wear the same uniform provided by the school to all students. The second method consists of imparting to all students the Dignity of Labour, which may be achieved by participation of all students, irrespective of caste, in maintaining cleanliness of school premises (i.e. cleaning the classrooms and toilets). Thirdly, the morning assembly must include prayers of all religions and every child irrespective of caste must be taught and made to recite the prayers. 

    

For Students of Reserved Classes:

Personally, I don't believe in "Caste System", because it divides all of us. But it is a harsh reality that we all are divided according to the caste.
First of all the teachers has to stop thinking or dividing the students in terms of caste. We have to build our vision as all students are equal. If we have such attitude, we can build a vision of keeping all the students together and teach them and treat them as equal. What will happen is that students will also influence by the same vision.
Parents' attitude can't be change as such but we can handover them the idea of equality and importance and benefits of being unite and working together.
Mainly, our politicians have to stop playing dirty politics and have to stop dividing us. Because unknowingly by discriminating they are harming the whole country including themselves.
 

For dropouts of female students:

The most difficult part is to understand the attitude of the parents and to teach them the importance of education especially for Girls. To make this possible, we can take the help of Gram Panchayat or other communist. With the help of Gram Panchayat, we can organize literacy programs. Through video presentation and easy communication language which they speak, we can endeavour to make them realize or even visualize the need of education. 

We can take help of some celebrities like, Saina Nehwal, Mary Kom or Sania Mirza who allcan encourage the parents to adopt new attitude.     

We can take help of NGOs who all work for women empowerment.

Removal of women's illiteracy, major emphasis will be laid on women's participation in vocational, technical and  professional education at different levels.