ChittiGuruvulu - Sustaining Functional Literacy Among Adults

Background

2011 Census has indicated that 40% of the total adults in Vizianagaram district are illiterate. It is notable that 45.7% of women in the district are illiterate. This low literacy level has reflected on other metrics of development, from health to sanitation and livelihood status, which are very crucial with regards to the overall development of the district.

Intervention

‘ChittiGuruvulu’ or Little Masters is an innovative program conceptualised and developed by Vizianagaram District to tackle the problem of adult illiteracy. It focuses on functional literacy among adults rather than limiting literacy to academic learning. The program envisages high school children taking up the responsibility of teaching at least one adult at their homes or in the neighbourhood. It was found that parents and neighbours were more comfortable to be students of their own children.

Simplified teaching material in Telugu was prepared, and 61 students studying in 6th, 7th and 8th standards were trained to teach the prepared material to the existing adult illiterates in the village. Each student was mapped with 2-3 illiterate adults.

In order to encourage quick learning of Telugu letters, daily Telugu T.V. serial names, advertisements published on RTC buses, pictures exhibited against the government programs etc. were used as a tool.

Impact

Following the enthusiastic efforts by the students, the Dwarappudi village turned 100% literate. Considering the success of ChittiGuruvulu at this village, district administration has extended the program to the entire Mandal of Vizianagaram with the help of 27,933 Little Masters in 585 schools across 34 Mandals, targeting 55,819 adult illiterates.

100% functional literacy at Dwarappudi has several visible positive impacts. The mandal is doing well in other developmental indicators such as health, infrastructure, sanitation etc. The village has the first digitally literate Panchayat and first cashless Panchayat in the District.

The program also increased the leadership qualities among high school students. 

Source : Aspiration Districts for WEB