In the past decade, significant efforts have been made to ensure accessibility of elementary education to children from diverse backgrounds. Subsequently, challenges of addressing issues of quality and equity have become apparent. The Trusts believes that large scale systemic interventions, involving key stakeholders ranging from the community, teachers and administrators are required, if the goal
of providing quality education is to be realized. Thus, in October 2007, the Trusts launched ‘Kalike Samruddhi Upakram’ (KSU) in Yadgir district, Karnataka; for improving the quality of elementary education. It focuses on: (i) facilitating community participation; (ii) teacher education; and (iii) strengthening district/ sub-district level education structure. At the outset, a baseline study was commissioned in 2008 to understand the macro and micro issues of the region. Some of the major educational challenges reflected within the study are low learning achievements of children (KSQAO ), high school dropouts (almost 40% to 50%), seasonal migration (30% to 40% families), teacher absenteeism, dysfunctional School Development and Management Committees (SDMC) and Panchayati Raj Institutions, low community participation in Government schools and Anganwadis’, child labour issues, etc. Consequently, interventions are being implemented in the district with the help of non-profit organizations and through direct implementation. In the next five years, Kalike aims to cover 125,000 children; 2,000 youths; 8,000 farmers and 41,000 households spread across Yadgir block, Yadgir district.
