Apni Pathshala – Sustaining Literacy
T
ARA Akshar+ is an ICT based innovative functional literacy programme that teaches illiterate women to read and write in Hindi and do basic mathematical calculations in just 112 hours spread over 56 days. The software application used in the process is characterised by a unique visual memory hook technique that links every letter of the Hindi alphabet to an object that the students are familiar with in their daily lives.
The aim of the TARA Akshar+ programme is to, additionally, map out alternative approaches which will ensure that the capabilities acquired by the neo-literates are sustained and that they also ignite a measure of local development in the community.
In order to promote continuing empowerment and increase the learning ability of these neo-literates, TARA Akshar+ introduced the concept of TARA Akshar+ reading club called ‘Apni Pathshala’ in every village where TARA Akshar+ courses were conducted.
‘Apni Pathshala’ – a reading club at the village level
The concept of ‘Apni Pathshala’ lays stress on strengthening and sustaining the literacy capability of the learners after they will have completed 56 days of the TARA Akshar+ programme. It also provides them a fun based learning platform.
‘Apni Pathshala’ is a place where
women find access in their own village to books and other materials
specially designed to acquaint them with issues of their rights, health,
hygiene, livelihood and other interesting matters relevant to women and
their families.
Expected outcome
• ‘Apni Pathshala’ will help neo-literates to sustain their reading and writing capabilities post TARA Akshar+ programme.
• ‘Apni Pathshala’ will help these women to acquire a better awareness of their rights, health, hygiene and livelihood issues in an edutainment mode.
•
‘Apni Pathshala’ will encourage
women to adopt a self-help approach for their own development.
TARA Akshar Saheli – the over all in-charge of Apni Pathshala
Apni Pathshalas are managed by women who are called "TARA Akshar Saheli". They are in-charge of the Apni Pathshalas of their villages and are responsible for the field management of their reading clubs. TARA Akshar Saheli must have certain necessary qualities like leadership, confidence, initiative and an easy going nature. She must be comfortable going to learners’ houses, must have good communication skills and overall a friendly nature. She has various responsibilities such as:
• Opening and closing the Apni Pathshala in time
• Maintaining the Apni Pathshala and keeping it beautiful and clean
• Management of resource materials
• Ensuring security of Apni Pathshala resources and infrastructure
• Lending of books and keeping record of it
• Mobilising women to come and join her Apni Pathshala
• Maintaining the attendance registers
• Encouraging and helping women in reading, writing and calculating
• Organising fun based learning activities
• Encouraging women to participate in learning activities
Apart from providing the resource materials, Development Alternatives (DA) also organises from time to time job oriented skill trainings to the TARA Akshar Sahelis. After getting trained by DA, they subsequently train the women who are members of their Apni Pathshala in skills like jewellery making , soft toys making etc. q
Pragya Tiwary
ptiwary@devalt.org