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Pratham’s direct programs have traditionally been conducted in the urban areas to increase the enrollment and learning levels of children living in urban slums. At the beginning of every academic year, Pratham undertakes a survey in each slum/basti it works in across the country. Four key questions are asked in the survey each year:
• Does every child have pre-school education?
• Does every child go to school?
• Does every child know reading, writing, and arithmetic?
• Do children have access to books?
Based on the results, our team in each area generates a community profile and plans for programs to address gaps that exist in the communities. Prioritization based on availability of funds and local situation drives the actual program implementation.
The direct program model has been evolving over the years. From scattered units of activity in urban areas, we shifted to an area approach in 2003, where focused interventions are undertaken in a defined geography of a slum pocket or village comprising of about 250,000 households. This defined geographical area is called a basti. This approach helps ensure that every child in the basti is in school and learning. In 2007-08, Pratham also undertook a GPS mapping of the city schools to understand the status of schooling in 15 different cities. The information will be used to support the urban programs.
The programs conducted under the direct intervention approach include:
• Balwadis (pre-school education)
• Learning support programs
• Libraries
• Mainstreaming of out of school children
Currently the direct programs in most cities are being consolidated as Urban learning Centres. The learning centres will Conduct classes for the children in the immediate vicinity to provide full year learning support focusing on their school curriculum. The centres will be in dedicated rented spaces of 2-3 rooms in the community where the classes will run from morning to evening to provide a more professional atmosphere for the teachers and a clean, enabling environment for the students.