In a world where education is often considered a privilege, Vibha, a revered nonprofit organization, continues to shine as a beacon of hope for underprivileged regions. With an unwavering commitment to elevating the quality of public education in India, Vibha has embarked on a transformative journey, one that recently saw the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jharkhand Government’s Council of Elementary Education – Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan department and the grassroots nonprofit partner Foundation for Awareness and Counseling and Education (FACE). This renewal signifies the continuation of Vibha’s English Literacy Program in the Pakur district of Jharkhand, heralding a new academic year filled with promise and potential.
The resounding success of the English Literacy Program during the preceding school year, 2022-2023, has become a testament to Vibha’s tireless dedication. The program’s remarkable influence on students prompted the Jharkhand education department to extend an inviting hand, urging Vibha to persist in their invaluable work. The result? A renewed MoU that sets the stage for another chapter of profound impact and positive transformation.
As the curtains rise on the academic year 2023-2024, the English Literacy Program prepares to touch the lives of 48,000 students across 133 Government Schools in the Pakur district, encompassing 3rd to 8th-grade students and 180 teachers. Under the renewed MoU, Vibha’s commitment is all-encompassing – ranging from comprehensive teacher training to providing essential teaching materials, student workbooks, and even digital teacher training, ensuring a holistic and empowered educational journey for all involved.
Speaking on behalf of Vibha, Kshitij Neeroorkar, the National Director of Projects, voiced his enthusiasm: “This holistic approach aims to fortify educators and students, fostering an environment conducive to effective learning.” This approach is grounded in the innovative methodology devised by Leap ForWord (LFW), Vibha’s esteemed knowledge partner, which forms the bedrock of the program’s design.
Vibha’s commitment to transparency and accountability is palpable. Meticulous oversight and impact evaluation are ensured through the appointment of block-nodal officers by Jharkhand’s education department. These officers stand as sentinels, closely monitoring the program’s progress and outcomes. To keep the wheels of accountability turning, a robust monitoring and evaluation system has been established, spanning baseline assessments, monthly reports, and comprehensive quarterly reviews. This meticulous approach ensures that both the Government Education Department and Vibha can collaboratively gauge the program’s effectiveness.
The program’s influence is echoed in the words of Ritu Pandey, the founder of FACE: “The English Literacy Project is a very important program for Pakur, Jharkhand. This program effectively trains children to recognize letter sounds and words. We are extremely happy that through this program, we can improve the children’s English skills and provide them a foundation for their further studies.”
Ebenezer Vidyasagar, a board member of Vibha, encapsulated the essence of this collaborative effort: “This collaboration stands as a testament to the power of partnership in driving positive change in education. By working hand in hand with State Governments, Education Departments, and impactful grassroots organizations, we continue to contribute to transforming educational landscapes in underserved communities.”
A glance at Vibha’s origins reveals the heart of its dedication. In the US, it operates as a 100% volunteer organization. In India, it is a harmonious blend of volunteers and seasoned social sector professionals who tirelessly handle the organization’s multifaceted aspects. This dedicated team oversees fundraising, project selection, monitoring, capacity building, impact assessment, and more. Since its inception in 1991, over 3 million children have been positively impacted, a testament to the power of collective effort and enduring vision.
Vibha’s influence spans across 12 states in India, and its ethos revolves around upscaling interventions, not just at smaller levels. This approach is exemplified in their close collaboration with grassroots-level organizations and their eagerness to partner with the government. This unique positioning allows them to scale proven solutions across geographical boundaries, creating a ripple effect of transformation.
Vibha’s mission is succinctly encapsulated: to enhance learning levels in Government schools through scaling proven solutions, with a special emphasis on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN). By equipping children with the ability to read, write, and comprehend basic math, Vibha nurtures a brighter future, one that radiates with potential and possibilities.
In a world where education remains the cornerstone of progress, Vibha stands tall as a paragon of change, illuminating the path towards a more equitable and empowered society. Through collaborative endeavors, unwavering commitment, and a passion for transformation, Vibha continues to script stories of empowerment, one child, one classroom, and one community at a time.
Our Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/vibhaorg
Make a Difference – Donate here – https://vibha.org/donate/
Become a volunteer – https://vibha.org/volunteer-with-vibha/