Population (approx.)945 millionLiteracy StatisticsOverall: 52.0%Male: 65.5%Female: 37.7%GNP Per Capita (US Dollars)$1,580Source: The World Bank Development Indicators, 1996; CIA World Fact Book 1997 |
|
Country Report presented by Anita Priyadarshini
Until recently, there has been little opportunity for participants in India's extensive literacy campaigns to take advantage of the country's secondary school system. The Open Basic Education Program (OBEP) is a nationwide continuing education program that is designed for neo-literates who wish to receive secondary level education. The program has three levels of curriculum, which are equivalent to levels 3, 5, and 8 of the primary school system. By providing pre-secondary levels of education, this program can create for neo-literates a learning continuum from literacy to completion of secondary school.
OBEP is a pilot project that has just begun in some districts of India. It has been implemented at the government level in such a way that individual areas (states, districts, and villages) can construct the projects in a locally appropriate manner. The National Literacy Mission funds the program, and the National Open School has developed exemplary materials for courses in language, environment studies, arithmetic, and vocational skills. Within the different states, the State Open Schools and State Resource Centres can identify new courses, create materials, and train in teaching methods that are relevant to its population. The implementation of the Open Basic Education Program is done at the village level through Continuing Education Centres. The CECs enroll learners, conduct classes, and assess results. Individual states, districts, and ultimately villages are able to adopt and adapt the programs as they wish.
INTERNATIONAL LITERACY
INSTITUTE