Shiksha+ Project: Transforming Rural Literacy and Empowering Communities

 

Stall of Shiv Nadar Foundation (SNF) at Ullas Mela on adult and alternative literacy, organized by the Government of UP in Lucknow on 5th February 2025. The minister appreciated SNF's efforts


Letter from BSA, Varaansi to ABSA, Badagaon, regarding the efforts of SNF and JMN in adult literacy

A Collaborative Effort for Inclusive Education

The Shiksha+ Project, a partnership between JanMitra Nyas (JMN) and the Shiv Nadar Foundation (SNF), is revolutionizing adult literacy in Varanasi’s Badagaon Block, particularly in the villages of Kathirao and Barji. By integrating digital tools, community engagement, and policy advocacy, this initiative is providing 2,500 adult learners with essential literacy skills, financial awareness, and access to government schemes.

Recognition & Government Support

Key Government Interactions & Approvals

📌 Chief Minister’s Office (CMO): Our request was forwarded to the Secretary of Basic Shiksha, UP, and subsequently to the Director of Literacy and Alternative Education (Reference: Letter No. 15197250002084).

📌 District Magistrate, Varanasi: The DM directed the Chief Development Officer (CDO), Varanasi, to integrate the project with government literacy programs.

📌 Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA), Varanasi:

On January 9, 2025, Shruti Nagvanshi, Lenin Raghuvanshi, Rinku Pandey, and Ajitesh Rai met the BSA, who endorsed the initiative and introduced JMN to block-level officers for further collaboration.

📌 Recent Government Communication:
On February 10, 2025, the BSA of Varanasi formally requested a detailed report on the project and proposed deeper collaboration.

Support Committed by the BSA

Use of Primary School Classrooms: Government schools will be available after school hours for literacy sessions.

Certification for Learners: Upon completion, learners will receive official recognition.

Financial Incentives: The government is offering INR 15 per registered learner under the Ullas App program.

Model "Full Literacy Block": Plans are underway to establish a 100% literate block in the Prime Minister’s parliamentary constituency.

Inclusive Education Collaboration: Shri Triloki Nath Sharma, District Coordinator of Inclusive Education, has been assigned to support implementation.

Request for Administrative Support in Adult Literacy Project

Date: 1st February 2025
To: Honorable Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh Government, Lucknow
Reference No.: 15197250002084 (CM Portal)

The JanMitra Nyas and Shiv Nadar Foundation are jointly implementing an adult literacy project in Varanasi, specifically in the villages of Kathirav and Barji under the Badagaon block. This initiative aims to provide a second chance at education for individuals above 15 years of age who were unable to access formal schooling. The project utilizes ICT-based video lectures aligned with the UP government's "Nai Kiran" curriculum, reaching 908 learners across 57 batches.

Following discussions with the Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) of Varanasi, key assurances were given, including permission to conduct literacy classes in primary schools during off-hours, expansion of the program to PM constituency blocks, and official certification for volunteers. However, despite this agreement, the necessary directives were not uploaded by the BSA office. Instead, a previously issued letter was mistakenly re-uploaded as a resolution.

We kindly request the concerned authorities to promptly upload the correct directives to ensure smooth implementation and expansion of this vital literacy initiative.

A Model for Community-Led Sustainable Development

The program was inaugurated in the presence of distinguished guests, including Rajesh Kumar Singh, Block Development Officer of Baragaon, and Satish Kumar Singh, Assistant Resource Person from the Education Department. Speaking at the event, Mr. Rajesh Kumar Singh emphasized the importance of community-driven efforts, describing the Shiksha+ Project as an exemplary model for improving rural literacy and advancing sustainable development goals.

Highlighting the project’s broader impact, he urged community educators to extend the benefits of the initiative to socially excluded groups, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward progress and empowerment.

On-Ground Impact & Community Engagement

The program has trained 19 volunteers, who are leading 57 literacy batches, helping learners engage with ICT-based video lectures and "Nai Kiran" workbooks.

📊 Surveys Conducted: 1,753 households
📖 Identified Learners: 1,444 adults
💻 Tech Support: 19 laptops and projectors distributed


Additionally, Ajitesh Rai (Resource Coordinator) and Dinesh Yadav (Gram Panchayat Coordinator) represented JMN at a Literacy Mela (Ullas Mela) on February 5, 2025, on behalf of the Varanasi BSA office, further strengthening collaboration with government literacy efforts.

Media Spotlight: Nationwide Attention on Shiksha+

The Shiksha+ Project has captured national interest, receiving coverage in 19 newspapers across Delhi, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as 9 major online news portals.

Highlighted Media Coverage

📰 Gaon ke Log: वाराणसी : वयस्क शिक्षा के लिए डिजिटल उपकरण का वितरण
📰 JD News Vision: जनमित्र न्यास एवं शिव नादर फाउंडेशन का साक्षरता कार्यक्रम
📰 NSD Times: साक्षरता का हो सशक्तिकरण
📰 Janjwar: Shiksha+ Project Launched in Banaras
📰 Sada E News (YouTube Coverage)
📰 Aryavart: Shiksha+ Literacy Initiative
📰 Any Times News: Inauguration of Literacy Program
📰 AAP Tak Samachar: Shiksha+ Project: Adult Literacy Campaign Launched – 19 Laptops and Projectors Distributed

🔗 Read the full Op-Ed on Medium:

📸 Photo Gallery:

Recognition by Prof. Shyam Bihari Lal, MLA

Prof. Shyam Bihari Lal, MLA of Faridpur, Bareilly (Constituency 122), praised the Shiksha+ Project, acknowledging its potential to uplift marginalized communities. He has formally requested its implementation in his constituency to combat illiteracy.

Strategic Alignment with Global Goals

The Shiksha+ initiative directly supports:

🌍 SDG 4 (Quality Education): Inclusive and equitable education for all
👩‍🎓 SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Women’s empowerment through literacy
⚖️ SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Bridging socio-economic gaps

Voices of Support

🗣️"Thanks for sharing the progress, good to see the learners are being equipped with the tools of literacy to chisel their and their children's future and ready to mainstream and contribute to the development of self and nation. It's good to know that organizations is leveraging the program with many other things. At the same time engaging the different departments." Mr. Vjay Anand Verma , Adult Literacy head, Shiv Nadar Foundation 

Encouraging Words from Lalitendra Bhartiya, SNF:

🗣️ "This is truly wonderful news, and I deeply appreciate your efforts. Your dedication towards ensuring an effective program framework and contributing to the mission of literacy is commendable. I look forward to learning more about the way forward for the program and the steps planned to achieve our shared goals."

📩 Email Correspondence from Lenin Raghuvanshi to SNF (January 9, 2025, 5:26 PM)


Lenin updated the SNF team on Shiksha+, detailing government interactions, the BSA’s commitment, and strategic partnerships, reinforcing its alignment with nation-building and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Road Ahead: Expanding the Shiksha+ Movement

With strong government partnerships, media recognition, and grassroots support, the next steps include:

📢 Scaling the project to additional districts
🏫 Strengthening school partnerships for literacy centers
📊 Enhancing digital education tools
🤝 Fostering deeper engagement with policymakers

We extend our deepest gratitude to government officials, community leaders, educators, and volunteers who are making this vision a reality. Together, we can build a more literate, inclusive, and empowered India.

#ShikshaPlus #LiteracyForAll #EducationEmpowerment #SDG4 #InclusiveGrowth

Links for details: https://www.scribd.com/document/827621245/Shiksha-Project-Transforming-Rural-Literacy-and-Empowering-Communities

https://www.scribd.com/document/827621243/Shiksha-Project-Transforming-Rural-Literacy-and-Empowering-Communities

https://www.scribd.com/document/827621244/Shiksha-Project-Transforming-Rural-Literacy-and-Empowering-Communities

https://www.scribd.com/document/827621250/Shiksha-Project-Transforming-Rural-Literacy-and-Empowering-Communities

https://www.scribd.com/document/827621241/Shiksha-Project-Transforming-Rural-Literacy-and-Empowering-Communities

https://www.scribd.com/document/827969686/Letter-to-Chief-Minister

Shiksha+ Project: Transforming Rural Literacy and Empowering Communities by pvchr.india9214 on Scribd

Shiksha+ Project: Transforming Rural Literacy and Empowering Communities by pvchr.india9214 on Scribd

Shiksha+ Project: Transforming Rural Literacy and Empowering Communities by pvchr.india9214 on Scribd

Letter to Chief Minister by pvchr.india9214 on Scribd

Letter to Chief Minister by pvchr.india9214 on Scribd

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