In India, there are more than 144 million students enrolled in over 1 million publicly funded schools. Since education was established as a fundamental right 19 years ago, we have achieved a near-universal enrollment rate of 96% at the primary level. However, despite this significant progress, various independent surveys, including the National Achievement Surveys (NAS), indicate disturbingly low learning outcomes. Despite improvements in student-teacher ratios from 42:1 to 24:1, the percentage of grade 5 students unable to read grade 2-level text has increased from 43% to 58%, and those unable to perform basic division have risen from 59% to 79%. (Source: Not Just a Civil Servant, Anil Swarup @2019).
Six million children in the age group 6-14 years are estimated to be out of school, and 36% of children drop out even before completing primary education. However, the problem is not just poor learning outcomes. It’s time we ask ourselves, is the education being provided to our children even relevant?
Recognizing teacher as the cornerstone for change, the IIFL Foundation's along with its implementing partner seeks to empower them, ensuring educational program are not just implemented, but brough to life in classrooms. By addressing their needs and valuing their contributions, we enhance the learning experience for. To bring about a change at scale it is imperative that we work with the government, within their opportunities and constraints, to drive significant gains in learning outcomes.
