Children Learn Best When Not Taught
Our Supporters
Akshara Vanam -
For Children By Children
We explore new possibilities in education with a strong focus on individual abilities and self-paced, peer-to-peer learning. The Minimum Numerical Skills (MNS) tool devised at our research centre has shown 50% improvement in foundational numeracy with an outreach of over 1 lakh students across the country.
Why Akshara Vanam ?
There are over 100 million literate children who still struggle with their reading skills and foundational numeracy. This is despite the continued improvements in school infrastructure, curriculum - as well as numerous plans and policies devised and enforced from time to time. Interestingly, the challenges are equally prevalent across varied schools and educational institutions - including the government, private and elite schools.
Learning Crisis - Major Reasons
"One size fits all” approach
Focus on rote learning
Akshara Vanam is Redefining Education
At Akshara Vanam, we believe that children can unleash their best potential when given the liberty and environment to choose their own learning path.
As a research centre, we are constantly experimenting with novel approaches in education that respects and nurture the unique abilities of each child. This is imperative to make a seamless shift from curriculum-centred to child-centred learning.
Our Approach
Peer-to-peer Learning
Akshara Vanam has no teachers! Our children take roles of teachers and students as per the requirements. We call this concept “Swadhayay” which has proved to be highly impactful in achieving the learning outcomes.
Self-paced and Self-administered
Students at Akshara Vanam have the freedom to learn at a convenient pace. Children themselves manage all the learning activities in the centre.
Level-wise Progress
We don’t practice over grade-wise learning that is usually related to specific age groups. Instead, our focus is on enhancing the learning process by fostering the unique capabilities of each child.
Our Focus
Language : Strengthen reading and writing skills without stressing over grammar
Logic : Develop Minimum Numerical Skills and Minimum Learning Abilities
Life Skills : Enhance abilities to deal with day-to-day practical situations with ease
Outreach & Impact
Akshara Vanam has successfully tested the tools to improve the foundational numeracy and learning abilities in mathematics. Research shows that Minumum Numerical Skills (MNS) are effective in eliminating the fear of Math in children, thus making the learning process more engaging.
1Lakh
Students benefited
35000
Teachers trained
1200
Schools covered
50%
Improvement in numeracy skills
Our Goals
Scale-up MNS
Deliver the benefits of MNS to many more children across India by partnering with schools and organizing teacher training programs.
Strengthen Infrastructure
Upgrade the facilities at the centre and make the infrastructure robust to facilitate high-quality research and devise effective learning tools.
Continue Research
Continue researching and testing tools for strengthening foundational literacy, and life skills to make holistic education a reality.