Adult Literacy Centers for Women – Sayed Badar Zaman Shah

District Literacy Program through ESR (the Year 2007)

Education holds a significant position within the national framework, serving as a cornerstone for the development and progress of any society. A robust society cannot be established without a solid educational foundation, as education empowers individuals, fosters critical thinking, and cultivates informed citizens who can contribute meaningfully to their communities. It is through education that people acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of modern life, engage in productive employment, and participate actively in civic duties.

To ensure a strong base, it is essential to achieve excellence in the educational system. This involves not only improving the quality of teaching and learning but also ensuring equitable access to education for all segments of the population. A comprehensive approach to education must address various factors, including curriculum development, teacher training, infrastructure, and community involvement. By prioritizing these areas, we can create an educational environment that nurtures talent, encourages innovation, and prepares individuals to meet the challenges of the future.

In the Matiari district, the situation is particularly concerning, as it is estimated that approximately 100,000 individuals aged between 10 and 35 are illiterate. This staggering number highlights a critical gap in educational attainment that must be addressed urgently. Illiteracy not only limits personal opportunities for growth and development but also hampers the overall progress of the community and the nation. Individuals who lack basic literacy skills are often unable to access better job prospects, participate in decision-making processes, or advocate for their rights, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement.

There is an urgent need for substantial efforts to address the educational needs of these individuals in Matiari. This can be achieved through a multi-faceted approach that includes increasing access to quality education, implementing adult literacy programs, and engaging local communities in the educational process. Collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders is essential to develop targeted initiatives that cater to the specific needs of the population. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of education and its impact on personal and societal development can motivate families to prioritize learning for their children and themselves.

Investing in education is not merely a moral obligation; it is a strategic imperative for the future of the Matiari district and the nation as a whole. By addressing the educational needs of the illiterate population, we can unlock their potential, enhance their quality of life, and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region. In doing so, we pave the way for a more informed, skilled, and empowered society that can thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

Vision

Access to education for all through non-formal adult literacy.

Goal

To improve the social status of people through adult literacy and community-based intervention.

Objectives

- To literate 350 people (10-35 years of age) through the establishment of 14 literacy centers.
- To make efforts for informal literacy certification through policy dialogue.
- To improve the social status of the targeted population through community mobilization and awareness.

Strategy

District Matiari was established in 2005.
The share in Old Hyderabad’s ESR budget (2001-02) was released to the District Education Department Matiari in September 2006.
Due unavailability of District Officer Education (Literacy), Sayed Badar ul Zaman Shah, District Officer Education (Academic & Training) Matiari was assigned to establish Literacy centers in District Matiari.
In this regard, he visited 81 low-literacy rate villages conducted meetings with the community, and on the need base established, 14 Adult Literacy centers (within the limit of the Budget allotted) for Females in 14 different locations.
Each center contained a cluster of 25 females of age 10 plus.
14 literacy Teachers were selected from those villages and a training program “How to Teach Adults” was conducted for those teachers at District Head Quater Matiari.
Another staff was selected and these Female Literacy Centres started the work.
During six months, EDO(Education), DOE(Academic & Training), DDOE(A&T), and concern ADOEE visited these centers several times,
To monitor the activities of these centers
To pay the salaries of Teachers and other staff
To evaluate the students
To deliver the books, notebooks, stationary and other material

Assessment

After six months, a verbal and written examination for these students was conducted, in which,

They were asked to read the lessons from the book and cross-questions were asked of them.
Simple mathematic questions were asked verbally.
They were asked to read paragraphs from newspapers.
Simple arithmetic problems were given to them in writing.
Simple topics related to common life were given to them for writing the essay.

Beneficiaries

In 14 female centers, 350 female students have become literate in six months, which will have a positive effect on 350 families and their children.
14 Lady Teachers got employed along with other staff at centers for six months
These 350 female students can read books, and newspapers in Sindhi and can read and calculate prices on different utility goods.
They can write simple paragraphs in Sindhi, read & write the English alphabet along with speaking simple English words and sentences.
They can do simple calculations just as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Besides this now they can stitch simple clothes and read Holy Quran also.

Budget Utilization

The released amount from ESR Budget was Rs.498, 500/-.
The expenses on these 14 Adult Literacy centers were Rs.497, 600/-,
Therefore unused budget is Rs.900/-only.

Budget Allocated w.e.f.

2001-02 to 2006-07

Funds Utilized

Funds not Utilized

Total Number of ALC established

(Male & Female)

Total Number of Learners

(Male & Female)

Rs.498,500

Rs.497,600

Rs.900

14 (only for Females)

350 Females

After the visit to 81 villages of District Matiari, the following 8 villages, locations, and Teachers are selected for the Literacy centers on Need-Base.

Sr.No.	Location	Union Council	Taluka	No. of Students
1	Government Girls Primary School Budho Majeedano	Shah Alam Shah ji Wasi	Matiari	30
2	Government Girls Community Model School Sekhat	Sekhat	Matiari	25
3	G.G. Community Model School Sher Muhammad Thorha	Uderolal Village	Matiari	25
4	Government Girls Primary School Tajpur	Tajpur	Matiari	25
5	Government Girls Primary School Bau Khan Pathan	Bau Khan Pathan	Matiari	30
6	Government Girls Primary School Oderolal Station	Oderolal Station	Matiari	25
7	Government Girls Primary School Buhreyoon	Uderolal Village	Matiari	25
8	Government Girls Primary School (Main)	Nasarpur	Matiari	30
9	At a Home at Railway Colony Hala New	Hala-I	Hala	25
10	Government Girls Primary School Hal old	Hala Old	Hala	25
11	Government Girls Primary School Awal Chachar	Zair Pir	Saeedabad	25
12	Government Girls Primary School (Main)‌ Saeedabad	Saeedabad	Saeedabad	30
13	Government Girls Primary School Ghulam Ali Jamali	Shahmir Rahu	Saeedabad	25
14	At a Home in Village Bakher Jamali	Bhaledino Kaka	Saeedabad	30