Overview

In the lab

The lack of availability of qualitative education, poverty, social norms and overall inability of the educational system to cater to the needs of the rural Indian communities has led to several adverse impacts. It has resulted not only in financial insecurities due to inabilities to participate in the market but has also resulted in emotional insecurities due to low self-esteem, lack of aspirations and a feeling of inadequacy. Factors that are very crucial for human creativity and growth. Breaking this vicious cycle is indeed difficult but not impossible.

The Akshara Programme, launched in 2005, is the first project of the Equal Access to Opportunity Programme (EATO, www.eato.org).  EATO works to change the deterministic role economics plays in people?s access to opportunities. The Akshara Programme is focused on breaking the vicious cycle of poverty by creating conditions such that children from impoverished rural communities are able to receive a vocational or professional education.  Once a participant has learnt a skill, Akshara will use its network to assist the participant receive their first non-subsistence job.

Making hats

Akshara currently has seventy-two students in 8th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades. 8th and 10th graders attend supplementary classes five days a week. They receive instruction in Math, English, Science and Marathi and participate in extra-curricular activities such as Dance, Theatre and Art.

After passing their 10th and 12th standard exams, students choose from a variety of opportunities for further academic and vocational training.

Akshara focuses on the following activities:

  • Provides long-term educational support to participants.
  • Creates awareness among parents to provide a home environment conducive to learning.
  • Enhances the skills of local school teachers.
  • Encourages the education of girls to overcome gender related inequalities.
  • Offers career counseling to participants, helping them gain vocational or professional employment.
  • Provides supplementary healthcare and nutritious food.

Akshara operates in villages around the Mahindra United World College of India (MUWCI).  The team is based at MUWCI, and uses its resources to deliver education to children from the nearby villages.  MUWCI also provides Akshara with:

  • All Infrastructural Support that includes classrooms, labs, sports and art facilities
  • The Headmaster and some faculty are members of our board
  • Three Akshara students are currently completing their final year at MUWCI on full scholarships
  • Accounting Support
  • Pedagogical Support
  • Two additional students are applying to join UWC next year.
Studying