Adult literacy programme receives good response

New India Literacy Programme in Tiruchi has been well-received, with 860 people enrolled and 42 centres set up. It aims to provide basic literacy, numeracy and life skills to all illiterate adults, with special focus on women and underprivileged groups. Practical training and field trips are also included.

The New India Literacy Programme, which offers basic literacy, numeracy and life skills to all illiterate adults, has been well received by the residents in Tiruchi.

The initiative, which aims at eradicating illiteracy by providing basic education, was implemented in Andanallur block in Srirangam on September 1. As many as 42 centres have been set up with two volunteers for each centre to teach the people. So far, around 860 individuals have been enrolled in the programme.

“The residents have been showing an overwhelming response, and many, including senior citizens and women, have joined the classes,” said K. Maruthanayagam, Andanallur Block Education Officer (BEO).

The literacy scheme envisages turning Tamil Nadu into a fully literate state by eliminating illiteracy among people above the age of 15. Besides numerical and reading literacy, the scheme plans to educate people about environmental awareness, health and hygiene, road safety, first aid, basic rules and regulations, banking transactions and online transactions.

“The scheme focused on facilitating adults to pursue their basic literacy beyond the formal school system. Special focus will be given to women and people from underprivileged groups,” he added.

Participants will receive two hours of training each day, totalling 200 hours of learning over a period of six months. A 140-page book containing basics in Tamil, Maths, and Science was curated for the programme. Field trips to banks, post offices, railway stations and bus stations will be organised to provide them with practical training.

“Initially, people belonging to the age group of 15 to 35 were admitted. In the first week, they were taught to sign, read and write their names and the names of their family members, Tamil alphabets, and addition and subtraction,” said Mr. Maruthanayagam.