The district of Balaghat is amongst the most backward districts across India. It is marked by very high levels of poverty, hunger, illiteracy and infant mortality. . In context to education, significant efforts were undertaken to promote access and enrolment by the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan programme, though access remains a concern in the forested parts of the districts. Aide et Action Bhopal Region conducted a baseline survey in buffer zone villages of Kanha Tiger reserve forest area and found that the quality education still remains a concern of the region. The engagement of large number of under qualified & untrained Para-teachers, teacher absenteeism due to inability to reach the schools/villages, inability to use Activity Based Learning (ABL), Lack of awareness and support from community, mixed category of teachers (Government and guest teachers), inadequate infrastructure and poor learning environment at home due to first generation learners, all these have compounded to poor learning outcomes amongst the children and low illiteracy rate in the region. Further a Competency Assessment test in reading, writing and arithmetic skills showed alarming results especially amongst tribal and Baiga children.

On basis on the facts emerged from the survey findings, Aide et Action Bhopal initiated “Schooling and Learning Improvement Project” in three Jan Shiksha Kandras (Garhi, Jaitpuri & Parsamau) of Baihar Block of Balaghat District, Madhya Pradesh with support of TATA TRUSTS and Wildlife Conservation Trust in 2013.

Project objectives

 The Primary focus

• To improve school functioning and imbibe quality education through effective participation of local Governance and the Community.
• To promote holistic development of Early Childhood.

 Specific Objectives 

• Enhancing the competency level among the children in language, maths and science with special focus on Baiga Children
• Enhancing knowledge, skills and aptitude amongst teachers to enable imparting quality education
• Increased involvement and interest among the parents, community in various school processes
• To build leadership, knowledge, inquisitiveness among the children.
• To strengthen early childhood education among 3-6 years children.
• Creating joyful learning environment in the project areas through Anandghar.

Expected Outcomes

• Children developed interest towards education and achieve acceptable competency levels.
• Improved education governance in the schools
• Enhanced academic/subject based capacities of teachers.
• Prepared children in the age group of 3-6 years for school readiness.
• Improved capacities of children to access knowledge interact to large world with confident.
• Active involvement of children, parents and teachers in ensuring ecological restoration processes through awareness and collective efforts amongst people towards preservation and conservation of environment.
• Sustained, active and coordinated multi-stakeholder engagement (Community, School Management Committee (SMC), Panchayats, Education Department and CBOs) upholding quality education.

Reachout

This project covers three clusters (Jan Siksha Kendras) of Buffer Zone of Kanha Tiger Reserve area (Garhi, Jaitpuri and Parsamau in Baihar block) of Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh. The project location is about 95 km from district headquarters and constitutes mostly tribal population including Baiga Tribes.