In India, 75% of children study in government schools. In spite of enormous efforts by the government, even among higher grade students, an alarming percentage cannot read or write even in their mother tongue, let alone English. Over half cannot perform basic mathematics like addition or subtraction, and an increasing number suffer from anemia.

With experience in setting up and running schools in rural areas, Isha Vidhya is only too aware of the challenges faced by government schools. These include a high student-teacher ratio, unmotivated teachers, lack of basic facilities, gaps in teacher recruitment & training and a high student drop-out rate.

Isha's Government School Support Program supplements the government's efforts by bridging critical gaps in delivering quality education. Currently, isha is carrying out critical interventions in 121 rural government schools in the districts of Coimbatore, Tirupur, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Villupuram and Salem of Tamil Nadu, benefiting over 28,000 students. In Andhra Pradesh, a project for direct intervention in 3000 Govt. schools in Chittoor Dt. is also benefiting over 100,000 children and 10,500 Govt. teachers.

The program specifically focuses on improving the student-teacher ratio by hiring extra teachers, providing special attention to slow learners through extra teachers, supplementing studies through English language programs and facilitating holistic development through sports, yoga, health and environmental awareness. Through the contribution of many donors and patrons, it provides a solid education and a bright future for these children who would otherwise be left behind despite 12 years of schooling.

Initiatives include:

  • Extensive teacher training using Isha Vidhya methods, including ongoing monitoring and feedback.
  • Special assistance to slow learners, who constitute 25% of class, through critical remedial interventions
  • Improving students' English language skills through special methodologies
  • Supporting holistic development through sports, yoga, environmental education, and health awareness