Education

Mo-Chatashali

Mo-Chatashali Atmashakti Trust’s journey in transforming education began in 2018 with a survey of 10,000 schools in eastern India, revealing significant infrastructure deficits that hindered compliance with the Right to Education (RTE) Act. In response, the Trust initiated advocacy campaigns to address these critical needs.  We believe that the “Community-Led Education Initiative” is vital not only for addressing the education deficit but also for revitalizing the region socially, culturally, and economically.

 

The district of Balangir in western Odisha is a prime example of the challenges that rural and tribal communities face in terms of education, social mobility, and economic opportunities. The region’s literacy rate of 65.5% (as per the 2001 census) is significantly lower than the national average, with Tribal and Dalit communities being the most marginalized in terms of access to quality education. To add more challenges, the pandemic exacerbated educational challenges, particularly for tribal children with limited access to online learning in this area.

To address this, Atmashakti mobilized 5,500 local volunteers to launch the “Mo Chatashali (My School) Initiative”, engaging over 100,000 children and successfully reducing dropout rates. By focusing on local language learning, creating livelihood opportunities for Rural Tutors, and investing in green infrastructure, this initiative provides the tools for long-term development and cultural preservation in the areas that are implemented in Odisha.

The main objectives of the initiative are to enhance education in tribal and rural areas through a series of strategic measures designed to create inclusive and effective learning environments. It will focus on strengthening school infrastructure to meet Right to Education (RTE) standards, ensuring that students have safe and welcoming spaces for learning. Emphasizing local language instruction, the initiative will allow children to receive education in their mother tongues, significantly improving comprehension and retention. Additionally, by integrating traditional folklore, stories, and arts into the curriculum, culturally relevant education will foster a deeper connection to students’ cultural identities. To further improve learning outcomes, community-based approaches such as Mo Chatashali will encourage local involvement and investment in children’s education. Ultimately, the initiative aspires to develop a scalable education model that can be replicated in other tribal and rural regions across India, contributing to a more equitable education system that respects and celebrates local cultures.

Atmashakti is committed to enhancing educational relevance by promoting local language learning for tribal children. This initiative aims to improve educational content and infrastructure to increase learning retention and foster holistic growth.