Launched in 1999, Gurukul, the scholarship project of Literacy India, acts an empowering support system for students from underprivileged sections of the society who lack access to basic education, and are burdened by social evils such as child marriage, transportation challenges, non-acceptance of significance of education, and where parents are unable to aid their children in learning.Meritorious and motivated students are handpicked and provided with full financial support for higher secondary education at English medium private and government schools. Additionally, we extend support to students who wish to pursue job-oriented professional courses in areas such as fashion designing, interior decoration, and MBA. The selection parameters include the student’s performance in final examinations, an independent test, and teacher’s recommendation.

The project primarily focusses on the uplift of tribal communities of India through improvement in literacy levels and self-confidence. Till date, 239 students, including 128 tribal children, across 7 centers in Delhi NCR, Rajasthan, West Bengal & IIT Campus of Delhi, Roorkee, Bombay & Madras have benefitted from the scholarships.

Key Features

• A dedicated lab for the Gurukul beneficiaries has made a huge difference to their performances.
• Regular language coaching has assisted students in the transition to private and government schools.
• Collaboration with the online Khan Academy and Duolingo has resulted in drastic improvements in subjects like Mathematics and Science.
• Literacy India has associated with the WiT (Women in Technology) movement that encourages young girls to take up engineering and counsels them to continue education despite resistance from society.
• In 2019, 12 young girls from humble backgrounds got admission in IIT-Delhi, IIT-Roorkee, IIT-Mumbai and IIT Chennai.
• We have also partnered with KIKI Technology Institute, Manesar, Pavitra Institute of Technology and Vivo Healthcare for various technical courses and job placements. Five students cracked the Institute’s entrance examination ensuring a secure future for themselves.

The project is supported by individual donors and corporate sponsors such as Ehsas 81 Foundation, United Way Delhi, Dell Volunteers, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, Oxford University Press, Rajratan Global Wires and Clifford Chance Business Services.

Methodology

We regularly visit the school to monitor academic performance, provide educational counselling to beneficiaries and guardians, and keep a check on school attendance. Young students are empowered through a two-staged process of self-learning and imparting such learning to fellow students. Students are also encouraged to develop soft skills and engage in extra-curricular activities such as painting, dance, performing arts and sports for a holistic development.

Highlights of 2019-20

• Students visited the Science Museum for a practical understanding of the application of science in everyday life and the history of science.
• Students used the language lab facilities to understand the virtual space and have learnt to access information using technology.
• Group tasks and activities like skits, role plays, and quizzes were organised.
• Research classes in subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and General Awareness were held.
• Students used the language lab to update themselves on current affairs.
• Facilitators used online platforms like Khan Academy, Hello English and learning videos to impart a better understanding of subjects or concepts.
• 20 students appeared for the CBSE examination and scored between 60 and 90 per cent.
• 10 students appeared for Class 10 board examination from West Bengal Board of Secondary Education.
• Two female students graduated from Banasthali Vidyapith, Jaipur, and are preparing to pursue courses in chartered accountancy and company secretaryship.
• Girls are pursuing vocational courses like mechatronics, diploma in medical lab technology, or training to be X-ray technicians.
• An interactive session with women professionals was held for Gurukul students, where they shared their inspirational stories.
• Students were provided customised career counselling and guidance services in partnership with iDreamCareer through psychometry tests to aid them towards choosing the right career.
• Aptitude testing and individual career counselling sessions were organised for a set of scholars.
• Counselling sessions were organised for IIT-sponsored students under WIT programme. Sessions were also held to provide exposure in the fields of their interest and internships were organised.