Understand the philosophy, strategy and impact of different approaches to primary education in India

Abstract

India has not been able to fulfill its constitutional pledge for providing free and compulsory education for all children in the age group of 6 to 14 years. We are struggling to find a solution for the problems of inadequate access, quality and inefficiency in the schooling. This study is based on field visits, interviews and analysis of secondary data of the NOOs. The NOOs who are part of this study are M V Foundation, Akshara Foundation, Azim Premji Foundation and Sathi. These organizations are either doing work in the field of primary education, or are related to facilitating the learning process for the children who are out of school. This study focuses on the work of these NOOs and analyses their approaches to primary education. It also tries to find out some of the effective ways in which the quality and reach of primary education could be improved. Based on the study, it stands out that the best strategy for bringing all children to school would be better public - government partnership and collaboration among the NOOs. For improvement in learning level of all children it is required that they go to pre-school. Methods of teaching should be improved to facilitate better learning environment for children. Storytelling is used by some of the most effective organizations for this purpose.