Contextual education for tribal children near Kanha wildlife sanctuary

Executive Summary

This project is grounded in the firm belief that providing robust support for early childhood education among tribal communities is fundamental to nurturing their growth and securing a prosperous future for Kanha’s ecosystem. This project will work with Baiga and Gond tribal communities who live in or near the buffer zone of Kanha Tiger Reserve, in Madhya Pradesh. Since the colonial era, commercial forestry and top-down conservation efforts have sidelined the needs of Baiga and Gond tribal communities. Tribal families are often stuck in poverty traps because of limited livelihood options. Most tribal adults lack formal education and are limited to subsistence farming on small farms with limited yields with many engaging in migratory labor. This lowers learning outcomes of the children in the short term and dampens their social and economic mobility in the long term. Addressing these intertwined challenges requires a multifaceted approach that delivers quality education and tackles systemic barriers to empowerment within these marginalised communities.

Earth Focus Foundation (EFF) has developed a strong model for providing contextual education to the tribal communities. To improve foundational numeracy, literacy, and critical thinking skills, they establish ‘Anand Ghars’ (Education Centre) in government primary schools and Anganwadi centres. These are equipped with essential infrastructure and teaching materials, to create an engaging learning environment that addresses the diverse learning needs of the students. Their unique, activity-based curriculum fosters self-expression and confidence through storytelling, performance, and practical exercises, igniting children's enthusiasm for learning. Additionally, their biodiversity curriculum, grounded in Kanha's ecology and indigenous wisdom, strengthens children's connection with their natural heritage. Leveraging local talent, they hire and train Shiksha Preraks (Education Mobilisers) from the community, who evolve into full-time Educators, collaborating with Program Coordinators and external partners to refine curricula and deliver effective teaching. Through training workshops for Anganwadi workers and engagement with "Mata Samitis," (Mothers Committee) they promote the importance of education and cultivate a supportive learning ecosystem at home, ensuring holistic development for children in tribal communities.

Project Objectives -

• Equipping local government primary schools and Anganwadis with necessary classroom infrastructure and teaching learning materials (TLM);
• Hiring and training local youth (primarily women) who can teach in schools and co-develop curricula;
• Building foundational numeracy, literacy, and critical thinking skills in primary schools through activity-based techniques, as well as mental, social, and motor skill development in Anganwadis.

Impact in 4 years - 1800+ students beneffited 730+ mothers engaged 23 Primary schools 26 Anganwadi centres Increase in ASER test scores

EFF is now responding to bottom-up demand from the community in nearby areas to expand the program. EFF recognises the significance of contextual education for this community and has a dedicated and trained team and uses a community-centric approach. The majority of their team members are hired from the local community and hence have a deep understanding of their community’s needs. These team members undergo a robust training program and support in program implementation, monitoring and evaluation, responding and addressing the needs of the children and the community.

About the NGO

Earth Focus Foundation (EFF) is a Section 8 company based in Kanha, Madhya Pradesh. Our mission is to empower forest dwelling communities and restore nature through contextual education and sustainable livelihoods. EFF was co-founded by Vipul Gupta and Aaran Patel, and is supported by a team of about 60 full-time staff, out of which 52 people are part of the local community. EFF through its Nature based Livelihood program, has restored 200+ acres of land, transforming the lives of 9000 people and has planted 71000 saplings. Focusing on agroforestry, horticulture and revival of native crops, the program enables dignified livelihoods for the community and creates diversified income streams for them. Further, in their Contextual Education program, over the last 4 years, EFF has worked with 40 Anganwadi schools and 20 primary schools in 20 villages to build foundational literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills among 1300+ children. The initiative also focuses on sensitising the community to local biodiversity, to build the next generation of stewards for the landscape and enables local youth to develop skills to take up gainful employment and further the education program from the ground-up.

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