Chaitanya MRSK was 17 when he started his first humanitarian project with actor Lakshmi Manchu in 2008. The Passionate Foundation provided infrastructure to government schools. But while they built compound walls and kitchen sheds, they realised that those were not the real issues. “None of the kids wanted to move to private schools because of the buildings; they wanted to go because of the quality of education and to learn English,” says Chaitanya, a recipient of the UN’s Youth Excellence Award for his community service. Manchu, for whom education is a cause close to her heart, agreed they needed to change their focus.
Spreading their wings
In 2014, they conceptualised the Pega Teach for Change Literacy Movement (TFC), starting in Hyderabad and spreading to Bengaluru, Vijayawada and Vizag over the next few years. Last week, in an event studded with stars, including Aditi Rao Hydari, Rakul Preet Singh and Sooraj Pancholi, plans were announced to double the number by adding Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and Lucknow to the list. Chaitanya says these cities evinced a lot of interest, which helped them to make the decision to expand.
Despite the similar-sounding names, this non-profit is different from Teach for India (which pays teachers to work in schools across the country). He explains, “[In TFC] volunteers go to neighbourhood schools for about two to three hours a week, and teach primary students basic English skills.”
The numbers game
Statistics from the Annual Status of Education Report 2018 reveal why we need a programme of this nature: only 47.8% of all children enrolled in Standard V can read a Standard II level text. That is, almost one in two students is unable to read a book meant for his/her grade, or even three grades lesser. To help them step up their game, TFC has a three-level curriculum developed with inputs from principals, teachers and educators from across the country. Volunteers are trained in this syllabus. The added bonus, says Chaitanya, is that teachers do not feel threatened. “They are alright with us stepping in and giving them some respite, as most of these schools are understaffed,” he says. It helps that TFC starts off with an MoU with the State government, and coordinates with the head of the school when volunteers are available in a particular area.
While Chaitanya considers it a success if students have improved by one level by the end of the academic year, Manchu adds that the benefits go beyond the classroom. “We’ve tied up with TOEFL, which gives them a certification; this opens doors to many more opportunities,” she says.
Support for TFC comes from many quarters — actors, politicians like Shashi Tharoor and Jaya Bachchan, and authors like Shobhaa De — while software company Pegasystems’ CSR funds it.
However, the need of the hour is volunteers. “My father always said that in all the dhaanas (charity), the only one that people can never take away is education. People who give their time, money, books... all are welcome,” Manchu concludes.
Visit teachforchange.in for details and to volunteer.
