THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a unique show of social commitment, a group of 10,000 students in the capital city have come forward to conduct a survey for the Aksharasree Literacy and Equivalence Project to identify illiterates in the city and to enrol them under the project. The one-day survey will be held in 100 wards under the city corporation on July 14.
‘Aksharasree’, a free literacy project, is being rolled out by the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA) in association with the city corporation. Launched as part of the State Government’s Education Mission, it will be piloted in the city before being expanded across the state.
The survey will be held under the supervision of NSS volunteers of various higher secondary schools and colleges coming under the corporation. KSLMA director PS Sreekala held a meeting with various ward conveners and teachers of several institutions to discuss the survey proceedings the other day. Special meetings were also called under the leadership of residents’ associations to instruct the volunteers.
The mission will be carried out along with the support of local self-government and public education institutions. It aims to link informal education (extracurricular activities) with formal schooling. The uneducated will be identified and provided education while opportunities for further education will also be made available to those who were unable to continue their studies.
“The total budget of the project is estimated to be Rs 3 crore. The complete fund for the project will be handled by the corporation. Dropouts can also pursue equivalent courses up to higher secondary level, free of cost under this project,” said PS Sreekala.
The classes for the beneficiaries identified under the survey will begin from August 15. A total of 2,500 students will be selected in the first phase with 25 students from each ward.
The courses will be conducted for a duration of three months and those who qualify the exam can join for higher courses for a period of six months.
During the first batch of Aksharasree, 1,500 students can enrol for Class 10 equivalent course while 1,000 students can join the Plus Two equivalent course. Those interested can apply from July 10.
Committees have been set up at various levels to execute and monitor the initiative. While the Mayor will chair the Corporation level panel, the councillors will be the chairpersons of ward level committees. Students after completing education can be active participants in the social literacy projects. The survey team will include mission staffs, residents association, ward members, social
activists, and librarians from various wards.