I am a Rotarian and grateful for the opportunities this world’s largest non-profit platform provides to get involved in some projects for the society at large. After relentless fight to eradicate Polio from world starting in 1985 and recently reaching the significant milestone of success in India along with Government of India in 2013-14,Rotary has taken up the TEACH program the similar manner in collaboration with Government.
Before we go to the details of the program, below are some
statistics about where we stand today as a country.
With definition of literacy considered here is more than being
able to read and write names, national average of India around 74% is much
lower when compared to other countries. This shows a very contrasting picture
India being now the de-facto powerhouse of knowledge industry of the world.
Inside India, while Kerala, Mizoram are far ahead of the
average, there are much to be done in the hinterland of central and northern India
and here Rotary has decided to join hands with Government of India as per
Kathmandu resolution during December, 2013.The TEACH program will complement government
initiatives starting from Blackboard program in the year 1987 and continued
with other missions like National literacy mission, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, Mid
Day Meals and Right to Education.
TEACH program will focus on the following areas at the Rotary
district and club levels. All clubs are to raise funds for adopting few
government schools for underprivileged children to drive down following
programs. There are modules of E-Pathsale being rolled out with TCS and other
corporates at a nominal price with basic infrastructure being arranged.
For teacher support, Rotary is in discussion with Azim Premji
Foundation who focus on teacher support programs across many states in India. I
already spoke about E-learning focus above. While Adult Literacy will focus on
vocational training along with basic mathematics and business fundamentals,
child development program will aim for inclusive education from migrant
labourer, differently abled children, children of sex workers and prisoners and
other risk categories. Happy schools are making the school look beautiful with
the basic hygiene things taken care of.
We, at Rotary, have given ourselves three years’ time at this
stage for this uphill task across all states of India through the individual clubs
at the grass root levels. We will need your best wishes and support.
More details can be found here. Anyone wanting to get
involved at individual capacity can feel free to contact me. It will be a privilege
for me to work with you.
Thank You.
