Women Literacy Programme - Governance in Indiaindiagovernance.gov.in/files/gkc_oneworld_tara_akshar_plus.pdf · Case Study Plus: Women Literacy Programme ... government and civil

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December 2010

Governance Knowledge CentrePromoted by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public GrievancesMinistry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of Indiahttp://indiagovernance.gov.in/

Researched and Documented by

OneWorld Foundation India

Tara Akshar+Women Literacy Programme

Transparency and Accountability

Governance Knowledge CentrePromoted by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Government of India

Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................

BACKGROUND ................................

ILLITERACY IN INDIA

TARA AKSHAR +: ENABLING WOMEN TO READ

OBJECTIVE ................................

WORKING DESIGN ................................

THE SOFTWARE ................................

THE FINANCES ................................

TRAINING TEACHERS

PROCESS FLOW IN THE FIELD

EVALUATING THE STUDENTS

GRADUATION CEREMONY

AFTER GRADUATION ................................

MONITORING ................................

METHODOLOGY ................................

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

LESSONS LEARNED ................................

LOOKING AHEAD ................................

APPENDIX A INTERVIEW QUESTIONS


Governance Knowledge Centre Promoted by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances


Researched and documented by


Women Empowerment

TARA Akshar

................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................

ILLITERACY IN INDIA ................................................................................................

TARA AKSHAR +: ENABLING WOMEN TO READ ................................

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TRAINING TEACHERS ................................................................................................

PROCESS FLOW IN THE FIELD................................................................

EVALUATING THE STUDENTS ................................................................................................

CEREMONY ................................................................................................

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INTERVIEW QUESTIONS ................................................................


Case Study Women Empowerment

kshar Plus: Women Literacy

Programme

December 2010

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Government of India

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYTARA Akshar Plus (+) is an innovative literacy programme that is transforming the lives of

rural women all over the country. Hoping to improve the low literacy rate amongst Indian

women and provide them with opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, the u

based functional literacy programme, teaches rural illiterate and semi

and write in Hindi, and carry out basic numeric calculations.

TARA Akshar+ is an initiative of the Development Alternatives (DA) Group, a not

organisation that has been working in the field of sustainable livelihoods for the past 25 years.

TARAhaat Information and Marketing Services Ltd., the ICT arm of DA, developed the TARA

Akshar+ software in 2004-2006. Today, rural women are educated i

the software.

The software is based on a unique visual memory technique, where memory hooks are created

for each and every letter in the Hindi alphabet. Through the help of computer animations, each

letter is associated with a single object that the women

helps rural women to learn the alphabets quickly.

TARA Akshar + is successfully taking literacy to the learner. The software is simple

who has passed their tenth standard can

computer animations, flashcards and playing cards, instructors are able to train the students in

merely 49 days of 2 hour classes daily. Students alternate between reading and writing lessons.

A well-structured programme design and an extensive operational plan

instructors to conducting classes, to monitoring via a

system(MIS), have resulted in a high degree of efficiency. Covering the entire Hin

belt of the country (Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and

Uttarkhand), it has succeeded in educating approximately 58,000 rural women with a dropout

rate of 1 percent.

Its impact has been so great that the M

in the process of integrating TARA Akshar+ into the agenda of the National Literacy Mission, a

central government scheme that aims to make 80 million

literate over an 80 year period.

This document captures the objective, operational design and implementation procedure of

the programme. By highlighting its impact and achievements, this document aims to assist in

the replication of such an initiative.






Women Empowerment

TARA Akshar

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TARA Akshar Plus (+) is an innovative literacy programme that is transforming the lives of


women and provide them with opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, the u

based functional literacy programme, teaches rural illiterate and semi-literate women to read

and write in Hindi, and carry out basic numeric calculations.

TARA Akshar+ is an initiative of the Development Alternatives (DA) Group, a not



2006. Today, rural women are educated in just 98 contact hours with



single object that the women use in their daily lives. This

helps rural women to learn the alphabets quickly.

TARA Akshar + is successfully taking literacy to the learner. The software is simple

who has passed their tenth standard can be easily trained to teach with it. Through the use of



structured programme design and an extensive operational plan

ng classes, to monitoring via a sophisticated management information

system(MIS), have resulted in a high degree of efficiency. Covering the entire Hin



Its impact has been so great that the Ministry for Human Resource Development (MOHRD) is


central government scheme that aims to make 80 million adults between the ages of 15

year period.



cation of such an initiative.




Programme

December 2010

2

TARA Akshar Plus (+) is an innovative literacy programme that is transforming the lives of


women and provide them with opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, the unique laptop

literate women to read

TARA Akshar+ is an initiative of the Development Alternatives (DA) Group, a not-for-profit



n just 98 contact hours with



use in their daily lives. This linkage

TARA Akshar + is successfully taking literacy to the learner. The software is simple anyone

be easily trained to teach with it. Through the use of



structured programme design and an extensive operational plan - from selecting

sophisticated management information

system(MIS), have resulted in a high degree of efficiency. Covering the entire Hindi speaking



inistry for Human Resource Development (MOHRD) is


adults between the ages of 15 to 35






Government of India

BACKGROUND

ILLITERACY IN INDIA

Although considered some of Indias most significant assets, the extensive amount of human

capital and resources cannot be fully harnessed due low levels of literacy. The literacy rate in

India is approximately 68 percent

Moreover, official estimates tend to ignore the semi

newspapers, official forms or comprehend essential documents.

The gender disparity in literacy rates exasperates th

percent of men are literate while only 54.5 percent of women are said to be.

Female literacy is closely linked with problems of population growth and poor health. Various

government and civil society institutions are undertaking efforts to tackle this issue, however

population growth and the challenges it brings with it make it difficul

TARA Akshar+ stands out as one of the few programmes tha

make a difference in the face of these problems.


TARA Akshar+ is an initiative of Development Alternatives (DA) Gro

organisation which has been working in the field of sustainable livelihoods for the past 25

years.

TARA Akshar+ has worked to empower rural households since its inception in 2007. With the

belief that once literate, a woman has the pot

conditions of the entire household, TARAhaat Information and Marketing Services Ltd. (ICT

branch of DA) developed a digital functional literacy and basic arithmetic programme. It

focuses on teaching rural women ba

Rural women are often consumed by household chores, thus it was determined important to

design a short-term duration programme that would not interfere with daily activities for an

extended period of time. DA also approached experts in the field of adult psychology to gain

insight into how adults can learn in a fast and effective manner. From their findings, DA

1 http://www.unfpa.org/swp/2009/en/pdf/EN_SOWP09_ICPD.pdf






Women Empowerment

TARA Akshar

ILLITERACY IN INDIA



dia is approximately 68 percent very low in comparison to other developing countries.

Moreover, official estimates tend to ignore the semi-literates who are unable to read contracts,

newspapers, official forms or comprehend essential documents.

The gender disparity in literacy rates exasperates the alarming situation; an estimated 76.9

percent of men are literate while only 54.5 percent of women are said to be.

literacy is closely linked with problems of population growth and poor health. Various


population growth and the challenges it brings with it make it difficult to do so.

TARA Akshar+ stands out as one of the few programmes that has successfully managed to

make a difference in the face of these problems.


TARA Akshar+ is an initiative of Development Alternatives (DA) Gro



belief that once literate, a woman has the potential to improve the social and economic



focuses on teaching rural women basic Hindi reading, writing and counting skills.


term duration programme that would not interfere with daily activities for an

A also approached experts in the field of adult psychology to gain


http://www.unfpa.org/swp/2009/en/pdf/EN_SOWP09_ICPD.pdf




Programme

December 2010

3



comparison to other developing countries.

literates who are unable to read contracts,

e alarming situation; an estimated 76.9

percent of men are literate while only 54.5 percent of women are said to be.1

literacy is closely linked with problems of population growth and poor health. Various


t to do so.

t has successfully managed to

TARA Akshar+ is an initiative of Development Alternatives (DA) Group a not-for-profit



ential to improve the social and economic



sic Hindi reading, writing and counting skills.


term duration programme that would not interfere with daily activities for an

A also approached experts in the field of adult psychology to gain





Government of India

developed a step-by-step programme where students begin with recognition of letter sounds

and then move on to syllables, words and sentences.

TARA Akshar operates teaching centres throughout the Hindi speaking belt of the countr

which includes Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi NCR region, Haryana, Rajasthan and

Uttarakhand.

OBJECTIVE TARA Akshar aims:

To use information communication technologies to develop innovative mechanisms

to fight female illiteracy.

To train illiterate and semi-literate rural women to read and write in Hindi and

complete basic numeric calculations.

To contribute towards creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and the social/

economic upliftment of women

WORKING DESIGNTHE SOFTWARE

TARA Akshar+ software was developed by the TARAhaat team in 2004

programme is based on two concepts: a) advanced memory techniques and b) strong

enforcement mechanisms. These concepts work on the principle of creating

which means that in order to enable the learners to read and write in a

letter in the Hindi Alphabet is associated with an everyday object.

The following two examples help to explain this approach:






Women Empowerment

TARA Akshar

step programme where students begin with recognition of letter sounds

move on to syllables, words and sentences.

TARA Akshar operates teaching centres throughout the Hindi speaking belt of the countr



literate rural women to read and write in Hindi and

complete basic numeric calculations.

towards creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and the social/

economic upliftment of women

WORKING DESIGN

TARA Akshar+ software was developed by the TARAhaat team in 2004-2006. The design of

concepts: a) advanced memory techniques and b) strong

enforcement mechanisms. These concepts work on the principle of creating

which means that in order to enable the learners to read and write in a short time span, every

the Hindi Alphabet is associated with an everyday object.

The following two examples help to explain this approach:




Programme

December 2010

4

step programme where students begin with recognition of letter sounds

TARA Akshar operates teaching centres throughout the Hindi speaking belt of the country



literate rural women to read and write in Hindi and

towards creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and the social/

2006. The design of the

concepts: a) advanced memory techniques and b) strong learning

enforcement mechanisms. These concepts work on the principle of creating memory hooks

short time span, every




Government of India

2) The picture on the right

shows the Hindi letter Ta.

Here Ta is associated with

Tamatar which is the Hindi

word for tomato. Tamatar

begins with a Ta and hence

every time a student cooks

with or eats a Tamatar she

will remember that it begins

with the letter Ta.

Memory hooks through

illustrations and animations

are created for every letter of

the Hindi alphabet and for the

numbers zero through nine. The complete programme is fed

easily taken to remote locations.

THE FINANCES Before rolling out the programme, a detailed cost analysis was carried out by the DA team.

costing sheet was prepared which included all costs that would to be incurred in the

implementation of the process i.e. stationery,

maintenance and salaries. The cost per learner as it stands today is 4150 rupees. These are






Women Empowerment

TARA Akshar

1) The picture on the left

letter Ga. Here

withGaajar which is th

carrot. Gaajarbegins with a Ga, hence

every time a student cooks or

she will remember that it begins with

the letter Ga.

Memory hooks through

illustrations and animations

are created for every letter of

Hindi alphabet and for the

numbers zero through nine. The complete programme is fed into laptops which can then be

emote locations.

Before rolling out the programme, a detailed cost analysis was carried out by the DA team.


implementation of the process i.e. stationery, teachers kits, learners kits, personnel





Programme

December 2010

5

The picture on the left shows the Hindi

Here Ga is associated

which is the Hindi word for

carrot. Gaajarbegins with a Ga, hence

every time a student cooks or eats Gaajar

remember that it begins with

into laptops which can then be

Before rolling out the programme, a detailed cost analysis was carried out by the DA team. A


teachers kits, learners kits, personnel





Government of India

covered by funds from donor agencies who agree to sponsor a certain number of students

dedicated period of time.

TRAINING

TEACHERS The instructors who use the

software to teach rural women are

mostly local recruits. These

instructors are required to be a

minimum of 18 years old, with 10

years of schooling and strong

communication skills.

They are then trained via the

authorised TARA Akshar

instructors course. This training lasts for 15 dayswherein they are taught:

How to control students and how to communicate with

How to use a computer

How to use the TARA Akshar software

How to deal with difficult or slow students

How to mobilise students


DURATION

TARA Akshar+ teaches rural women to read and write in Hindi, and basic numeric

through two hour classes for a period of 49 days. In other words, in 98 contact

transforms an illiterate or semi






Women Empowerment

TARA Akshar

covered by funds from donor agencies who agree to sponsor a certain number of students

The instructors who use the

women are

recruits. These

required to be a

18 years old, with 10

schooling and strong

They are then trained via the

authorised TARA Akshar+

training lasts for 15 dayswherein they are taught:

How to control students and how to communicate with them

How to use the TARA Akshar software

How to deal with difficult or slow students


TARA Akshar+ teaches rural women to read and write in Hindi, and basic numeric

through two hour classes for a period of 49 days. In other words, in 98 contact

transforms an illiterate or semi-literate woman into a literate person.

Figure 1:Instructors undergoing training




Programme

December 2010

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covered by funds from donor agencies who agree to sponsor a certain number of students for a

TARA Akshar+ teaches rural women to read and write in Hindi, and basic numeric calculations

through two hour classes for a period of 49 days. In other words, in 98 contact hours it




Government of India

STUDENTS

Interested students are approached through a

and organised into separate batches

level of literacy. One batch of

10 women; the small group size makes it possible to

pay attention to each individual

are taught per day.

TARA AKSHAR CENTRES

Computer animations tell stories wherein

highlights six letters.






Women Empowerment

TARA Akshar

Interested students are approached through a survey

and organised into separate batches based of their

level of literacy. One batch of students consists of 8 to

group size makes it possible to

to each individual student. Three batches

TARA AKSHAR CENTRES

Classes are held at TARA

Akshar centres whose

location is decided based on

accessibility

of the women. Sometimes

there are volunteers who

allow classes to be

their houses. Classes are

held in open community

spaces.

TEACHING

TECHNIQUES

Students are taught with the

help of laptops, flash cards

and special playing cards.

animations tell stories wherein the letters become the story characters. Every episode

Figure 2:Women learning at a TARA Akshar+

centre




Programme

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Classes are held at TARA

Akshar centres whose

location is decided based on

accessibility and convenience

the women. Sometimes

there are volunteers who

allow classes to be held in

their houses. Classes are also

held in open community

TEACHING

TECHNIQUES

Students are taught with the

help of laptops, flash cards

special playing cards.

characters. Every episode

:Women learning at a TARA Akshar+




Government of India

EVALUATING THE STUDENTSDuring the final two weeks of courses, students are given a two hour exam that tests their

reading speed and comprehension. These exam papers are sent to the head office in Delhi

marking.

GRADUATION CEREMONYAfter passing their exams, students are

given certificates and congratulated at a

graduation ceremony where

poetry, sing and deliver speeches

AFTER GRADUATIONIn order to ensure that students continue to learn, reading clubs are organised after the end

the course. These are informal

each other using TARA Akshar provided club materials.

Figure 3: Women using flash cards to learn






Women Empowerment

TARA Akshar

Teachers alternate between reading and writing

classes. They are equipped with special writing

books. After the first three weeks, computers and

cards are put away and the next two weeks are

spent conducting reading practice in supervised

pairs. A specialised reading book has been

prepared for this purpose. It starts from the

level and increases in difficulty as it goes

higher levels focus on reading and

official forms.

EVALUATING THE STUDENTS During the final two weeks of courses, students are given a two hour exam that tests their

reading speed and comprehension. These exam papers are sent to the head office in Delhi

GRADUATION CEREMONY After passing their exams, students are

given certificates and congratulated at a

graduation ceremony where they recite

poetry, sing and deliver speeches.

AFTER GRADUATION In order to ensure that students continue to learn, reading clubs are organised after the end

the course. These are informal interactions where the students can read, write and

each other using TARA Akshar provided club materials.

using flash cards to learn

Figure 4:A TARA Akshar + graduate woman reading a




Programme

December 2010

8

Teachers alternate between reading and writing

classes. They are equipped with special writing

books. After the first three weeks, computers and

away and the next two weeks are

spent conducting reading practice in supervised

pairs. A specialised reading book has been

prepared for this purpose. It starts from the easiest

level and increases in difficulty as it goes on. The

ls focus on reading and completing

During the final two weeks of courses, students are given a two hour exam that tests their

reading speed and comprehension. These exam papers are sent to the head office in Delhi for

In order to ensure that students continue to learn, reading clubs are organised after the end of

interactions where the students can read, write and engage with

:A TARA Akshar + graduate woman reading a




Government of India

MONITORING

INTERNAL MONITORING

Programme staff members are monitored at every level. There are four levels of personnel

involved:

The Delhi Head Office holds the ultimate monitoring authority

A group of Master Trainers

Every three Monitoring Coordinators

Below the coordinators are the

coordinator.

In this way, the system supports checks and balances at every level. Monitoring ensures

efficient delivery of services.

MONITORING STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

In order to track a students learning over time,

Management Information System (MIS).

These details include: how many hours the class is held for, what object the student used

learning (computer, cards etc.), how many letters learned, and the length of tim

Recordkeeping of students progress also helps to determine the performance level

instructors. Student exam papers are also archived at the head office.

METHODOLOGY

Working with the objective of identifying for replication best practice

OneWorld team concluded upon TARA Akshar + for documentation. With its focus on

sustainable livelihood opportunities by improving the basic literacy level of

programme was determined to be innovative, unique and

sustainable.

After establishing TARA Akshar + as a best practice, the team then conducted thorough

secondary research using web resources to see how the initiative works. The next step was

identify the key stakeholders and sche

understanding of operations and impact of the initiative.






Women Empowerment

TARA Akshar


holds the ultimate monitoring authority

Master Trainers train local instructors and oversee their work.

Monitoring Coordinators report to one master trainer.

Below the coordinators are the Instructors. Every five instructors report to one


MONITORING STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

In order to track a students learning over time, instructors input the student details into a

Management Information System (MIS).

These details include: how many hours the class is held for, what object the student used

learning (computer, cards etc.), how many letters learned, and the length of tim

Recordkeeping of students progress also helps to determine the performance level

instructors. Student exam papers are also archived at the head office.

Working with the objective of identifying for replication best practice

OneWorld team concluded upon TARA Akshar + for documentation. With its focus on

sustainable livelihood opportunities by improving the basic literacy level of

programme was determined to be innovative, unique and economically and


secondary research using web resources to see how the initiative works. The next step was

identify the key stakeholders and schedule interviews with them to develop a deeper

understanding of operations and impact of the initiative.




Programme

December 2010

9


train local instructors and oversee their work.

five instructors report to one monitoring


instructors input the student details into a

These details include: how many hours the class is held for, what object the student used for

learning (computer, cards etc.), how many letters learned, and the length of time spent writing.

Recordkeeping of students progress also helps to determine the performance level of

Working with the objective of identifying for replication best practices in governance, the

OneWorld team concluded upon TARA Akshar + for documentation. With its focus on creating

sustainable livelihood opportunities by improving the basic literacy level of women, the

economically and socially


secondary research using web resources to see how the initiative works. The next step was to

dule interviews with them to develop a deeper




Government of India

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Development Alternatives Group (DA):

in the field of sustainable livelihoods sinc

and now is responsible for its operations and

TARAhaat Information and Marketing Services Ltd:

developed and designed the easy to teach and

ReadingWise Ltd: A UK-India based company that produces literacy and language

ReadingWise developed TARA Akshar+ jointly with TARAhaat.

Funding Agencies: DFID

initiative of Canadian & Swiss Governments and Microsoft, Connect for Change

Foundation and TARAhaat Information & Marketing Services Ltd.

Ministry of Human Resource Development (MORD):

Development of India is supporting the TARA Akshar+ programme in

Dehradun, Uttarakhand; and Haryana to potentially highlight it

Mission.

LESSONS LEARNED

A UNIQUE INNOVATION

The TARA Akshar + programme has been developed and

and innovative way. It takes into account local factors and time constraints. It

utilizes visual imagery and memory techniques that result in effective retention

reinforcement of taught content. This techni

rote ensures that students remember what they have learnt even after the

course.

UNIQUE INNOVATION

The TARA Akshar + programme has been developed and implemented in an extremely



reinforcement of taught content. This technique of learning by memory hooks rather

2

The TARA Akshar programme was

TARAhaat and developed with the TARAhaat team.






Women Empowerment

TARA Akshar

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Development Alternatives Group (DA): DA is an Indian non-for profit

in the field of sustainable livelihoods since 1983. It initiated the development of TARA Akshar+

and now is responsible for its operations and monitoring across the country.

TARAhaat Information and Marketing Services Ltd: TARAhaat, the ICT arm of DA

developed and designed the easy to teach and learn TARA Akshar+ software.

India based company that produces literacy and language

ReadingWise developed TARA Akshar+ jointly with TARAhaat.2

DFID - PACS programme, Oxfam India Trust, Telecentre.org

initiative of Canadian & Swiss Governments and Microsoft, Connect for Change

Foundation and TARAhaat Information & Marketing Services Ltd.

Ministry of Human Resource Development (MORD): The Ministry of Human

India is supporting the TARA Akshar+ programme in

Dehradun, Uttarakhand; and Haryana to potentially highlight it under the National Literacy







innovative way. It takes into account local factors and time constraints. It



The TARA Akshar programme was created by Victor Lyons of ReadingWise as product manager in

TARAhaat and developed with the TARAhaat team.




Programme

December 2010

10

organisation working

the development of TARA Akshar+

monitoring across the country.

TARAhaat, the ICT arm of DA

learn TARA Akshar+ software.

India based company that produces literacy and language products.

PACS programme, Oxfam India Trust, Telecentre.org- a joint

initiative of Canadian & Swiss Governments and Microsoft, Connect for Change UK, Suzlon

The Ministry of Human Resource

India is supporting the TARA Akshar+ programme in Jaipur, Rajasthan;

under the National Literacy

implemented in an extremely fresh

and innovative way. It takes into account local factors and time constraints. It effectively

utilizes visual imagery and memory techniques that result in effective retention and

que of learning by memory hooks rather than by

rote ensures that students remember what they have learnt even after the completion of the

The TARA Akshar + programme has been developed and implemented in an extremely fresh

innovative way. It takes into account local factors and time constraints. It effectively

utilizes visual imagery and memory techniques that result in effective retention and

reinforcement of taught content. This technique of learning by memory hooks rather than by

created by Victor Lyons of ReadingWise as product manager in




Government of India


course.

FULLPROOF IMPLEMENTATION

A well-structured programme design and implementation plan has resulted in very high

out rates. Every level of operations is pre

ceremonies. Various levels of supervision exist and a MIS tracks the progress of

The database helps to record the exact number of enrolments, drop

It also helps to ensure transparent operations and make field

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

Since its roll out, TARA Akshar + has established about 400 centres and educated up to

rural women with a pass out rate of 97 percent. Only 1

programme gives rural women confidence in brighter future prospects.

By educating women, the software helps to empower the entire rural household and

awareness about the importance of education.

Figure 5: A proud set of women graduates with their

certificates






Women Empowerment

TARA Akshar


EASY TO USE AND LEARN

TARA Akshar + does not need expert

and hence does not entail a complicated training

process. It takes literacy to the learner. It is an

easy-to-use software with basic

learning process is gradual

strong foundation for letter learning, then

syllables, and finally words. This

grasp the concepts clearly and sys

FULLPROOF IMPLEMENTATION

structured programme design and implementation plan has resulted in very high

operations is pre-planned- from locating students to the

ceremonies. Various levels of supervision exist and a MIS tracks the progress of

The database helps to record the exact number of enrolments, drop-outs, failures and pass out

It also helps to ensure transparent operations and make field officers accountable.

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

Since its roll out, TARA Akshar + has established about 400 centres and educated up to

rural women with a pass out rate of 97 percent. Only 1 percent of its students drop

programme gives rural women confidence in brighter future prospects.

By educating women, the software helps to empower the entire rural household and

awareness about the importance of education.

: A proud set of women graduates with their




Programme

December 2010

11

rote ensures that students remember what they have learnt even after the completion of the

TARA Akshar + does not need expert instructors

a complicated training

literacy to the learner. It is an

use software with basic content. The

gradual - beginning with a

foundation for letter learning, then

syllables, and finally words. This makes it easy to

clearly and systematically.

structured programme design and implementation plan has resulted in very high pass

from locating students to the graduation

ceremonies. Various levels of supervision exist and a MIS tracks the progress of all students.

failures and pass outs.

officers accountable.

Since its roll out, TARA Akshar + has established about 400 centres and educated up to 58,000

percent of its students drop out. The

By educating women, the software helps to empower the entire rural household and spread




Government of India

.

LOOKING AHEAD

With the success that TARA Akshar+ has

Development (MOHRD) has been

(NLM). In order to do so,

Figure 6:By educating women, the software helps to empower the entire rural household and






Women Empowerment

TARA Akshar

32 year old Maina Devi of Uttar Pradesh

never thought that she would get to

study. But TARA Akshar + changed her

life. In just

49 days, she was taught how to read

and write. At the end of the

wrote a thank you note to DA

expressing her gratitude.

LOOKING AHEAD

With the success that TARA Akshar+ has achieved, the Ministry of Human Resource

Development (MOHRD) has been considering its integration into the National Literacy Mission

the Directorate of Adult Education, technical advisor to the

:By educating women, the software helps to empower the entire rural household and




Programme

December 2010

12

32 year old Maina Devi of Uttar Pradesh

never thought that she would get to

study. But TARA Akshar + changed her

days, she was taught how to read

write. At the end of the course she

thank you note to DA

gratitude.

achieved, the Ministry of Human Resource

idering its integration into the National Literacy Mission

the Directorate of Adult Education, technical advisor to the

:By educating women, the software helps to empower the entire rural household and




Government of India

government, conducted a detailed evaluation of the programme and found that it was

technically sound and feasible.

Thereafter, the Ministry has begun a round of validation through support of TARA Akshar +

centres in Jaipur, Dehradun and Haryana.

The Jaipur centre has just finished giving the course to 28 women with the help of the State

Resource Centre. A report is now underway to determine the impact of the Jaipur

Similarly, 60 women are being educated through 2 government sponsored

Dehradun, and another 30 women are getting training in a centre in Haryana. On the basis of

the results of these three experiences, the Ministry will decide to make TARA Akshar + a part of

the NLM.

This institutionalisation is reflective of the strength and success of TARA Akshar+ in

educational services. Once it is incorporated into the NLM, the mod

sustainable and hence, also easily replicable. Overcoming the challenges of

support and student interest, TARA Akshar + has come a long way. A post graduate

programme for skill enhancement of rural women is in the pi

Research was carried out by OneWorld Foundation India (OWFI), Governance Knowledge Centre (GKC) team.

Documentation was created by Research Associate,

For further information, please contact

REFERENCES TARA Akshar + Brochure 2007

www.taraakshar.com

Interviews were held with the Development Alternatives team in






Women Empowerment

TARA Akshar

detailed evaluation of the programme and found that it was

ble.


centres in Jaipur, Dehradun and Haryana.


s now underway to determine the impact of the Jaipur

Similarly, 60 women are being educated through 2 government sponsored


these three experiences, the Ministry will decide to make TARA Akshar + a part of

This institutionalisation is reflective of the strength and success of TARA Akshar+ in

educational services. Once it is incorporated into the NLM, the mod

sustainable and hence, also easily replicable. Overcoming the challenges of


programme for skill enhancement of rural women is in the pipeline.


Documentation was created by Research Associate, Sapna Kedia

For further information, please contact Rajiv Tikoo, Director, OWFI, at [email protected]

TARA Akshar + Brochure 2007

Interviews were held with the Development Alternatives team in New Delhi.




Programme

December 2010

13

detailed evaluation of the programme and found that it was



s now underway to determine the impact of the Jaipur experience.

Similarly, 60 women are being educated through 2 government sponsored centres in


these three experiences, the Ministry will decide to make TARA Akshar + a part of

This institutionalisation is reflective of the strength and success of TARA Akshar+ in delivering

educational services. Once it is incorporated into the NLM, the model will be financially

sustainable and hence, also easily replicable. Overcoming the challenges of mobilising local



[email protected]

New Delhi.




Government of India

APPENDIX A INTERVIEW QUESTIONSDevelopment Alternative Group

1. Can you tell us about the objective of the programme? What was the motivation

When did the initiative begin?

2. Who are the key stakeholders in the

3. Which states does the programme function in?

4. How was the Tara Akshar software developed? How does the programme function

of technique and content of teaching, selection of students, duration of th

infrastructure?

5. How are the instructors recruited? Is their a specific training procedure for them?

6. Are the students tested at the end of the programme?

7. What is the financial model of the programme? Recently the Ministry of Human

development rolled out the Tara Akshar programme as a part of the

in Jaipur. How is this attempt different from Tara Akshars

8. What are the major achievements of the initiative? Has their been any moni

evaluation from your side to access its impact?

9. What were the major challenges in implementing this programme? How were they

overcome?

10. Are their plans for any enhancements in the future? Is the government planning to

such learning centres in other states






Women Empowerment

TARA Akshar

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Development Alternative Group

1. Can you tell us about the objective of the programme? What was the motivation

When did the initiative begin?

2. Who are the key stakeholders in the initiative? What are their respective roles?

3. Which states does the programme function in?

4. How was the Tara Akshar software developed? How does the programme function

of technique and content of teaching, selection of students, duration of th


6. Are the students tested at the end of the programme?

7. What is the financial model of the programme? Recently the Ministry of Human

development rolled out the Tara Akshar programme as a part of the National Literacy Mission

in Jaipur. How is this attempt different from Tara Akshars independent projects?

8. What are the major achievements of the initiative? Has their been any moni

evaluation from your side to access its impact?


10. Are their plans for any enhancements in the future? Is the government planning to

centres in other states




Programme

December 2010

14

1. Can you tell us about the objective of the programme? What was the motivation behind it?

initiative? What are their respective roles?

4. How was the Tara Akshar software developed? How does the programme function in terms

of technique and content of teaching, selection of students, duration of the course and


7. What is the financial model of the programme? Recently the Ministry of Human resource

National Literacy Mission

independent projects?

8. What are the major achievements of the initiative? Has their been any monitoring and


10. Are their plans for any enhancements in the future? Is the government planning to open

Documents

Women Literacy Programme - Governance in Indiaindiagovernance.gov.in/files/gkc_oneworld_tara_akshar_plus.pdf · Case Study Plus: Women Literacy Programme ... government and civil