Education Outlook in Haryana

According to the most recent census, the overall literacy rate of Haryana was 67.91 % (78.49% for males and 55.73% for females), which compares closely with India’s low literacy rate of 64.80%. The drastic difference between female and male literacy rates in Haryana is just one indicator of how much work remains to be done. According to ASER 2010, only about half of the students in standard 4 could read a Standard 2 level text. Thus, on indicators of both math and literacy, children in Haryana lag far behind grade level. Pratham aims to make a difference through a tripartite partnership between local corporations, government schools and Pratham.

• The program covers 80 Schools in 70 villages.
• 144 volunteer teachers reach approximately 16,000 children.
• DLF Ltd., Bain & Co. and Price Waterhouse provide corporate funding and support.

Hindi, English & Math Direct Program

The aim of this program is to ensure grade level literacy, using Pratham’s child-friendly materials and results-oriented teaching approach. These programs specifically target the weakest students in each class, to ensure that every child has a chance to succeed in school and in life. With additional teaching volunteers in Hindi and Math, the program also promotes a life-long love of reading through an in-school library program. The English module has been designed to address areas of reading comprehension and conversation using an interactive learning process rarely found in traditional Indian government schools. Children are encouraged to use conversation concepts in their day to day lives, and are tested throughout the program to track their progress. In 2010-11, Haryana’s programs produced an increase in story-level readers by 36% in Hindi, while in math, the proportion of children at subtraction and division levels increased by 32% and 24% respectively.

Training and Capacity Building of Volunteer Teachers

Volunteer teachers were trained in English and computers, two skill areas that are highly sought after in rural India but often hard to acquire. This program works both to promote the concept of life-long learning and to bolster volunteers’ capacity as instructors, and is received with great appreciation and enthusiasm from Pratham’s dedicated volunteers.

Summer Camp

Pratham also organized a summer camp in 35 schools across the district, for approximately 1400 children. The camp was a special opportunity for the children to participate in music, art, and dance activities, with an art show and dance mela at the conclusion of the program.

Future Plans

Pratham will be partnering with the government for a pilot program in 3 districts of Haryana, which will include teacher training, monitoring, evaluation of learning levels, and volunteer support for teachers.