Status of Education in Wayanad
Tribes are very important as they are 8.2% of the total population of India. They constitute 3.2% of the total population of Kerala. Tribal education has many problems to face as hindrance for development. Recent study shows that even after seven & half decades, the backward classes still remain marginalised.
About 41% of the ST population in India is illiterate as compared to 31% of the non-ST population While 35% tribal people had attained primary education, less than 2% had received higher education. Nationally, only 6.7% of ST population above 18 years of age have completed 12 years of education.
Number of children dropped out from schools is very high in Wayanad as they prefer to engage in labour to support their families. Cherukara is such a village where large number of scheduled caste / scheduled tribe population resides.Wayanad is the lone district from Kerala to figure in the list of 115 backward districts of the country.
Efforts Of SVMM
A Primary School was started in year 2002 in village Cherukara one among the most backward areas in Mananthavady Taluka. Gradually it has come up to Std VII. The school is affiliated to Bharatheeya Vidyaniketan (Kerala Chapter of Vidya Bharathi) which is accredited agency of National Institute of Open Schooling (MHRD, Govt of India) to run Open Basic Education (OBE) Program at par with CBSE/ State Board of Education and the affiliation code is OBO914116. The education, books, uniforms along with nutritious mid day meals are provided free of cost to all tribal students.The school provides five fold education i.e. Yoga, Sanskrit, Music, Physical & Moral Education to ensure holistic development.
Sree sankara Vidya Nikethan Upper Primary School, Cherukara
For imparting value based quality education to children of Vanavasi Community, Sree Sankara Vidya Nikethan UP School at in Cherukara, in Mananthavady Taluk has been started. Complete education of these children is free along with uniforms, books, stationary, transportation and also nutritious mid-day meals. Presently it is upto Std VII and will be upgraded soon as per the availability of resources. The school affiliated to Vidya Bharathi which is an accredited agency of National Institute of open schooling MHRD, Govt of India. With the donations from different organisations school has procured two school buses which are used for providing free transportation to students.
One Teacher school
It is very difficult to create school infrastructure in such remote areas. SVMM has come up with novel idea of single teachers schools, where one teacher takes the education to doorstep of these Vanvasis. It is a very novel idea and outcome is seen in increased levels of education and eager to go for higher education among children of Vanavasis. There are 125 such One Teacher Schools (Ekal Vidyalayas) being run by the mission throughout the entire District covering 21 Panchayaths. Special attention is given to drop outs for encouraging them to study. It has resulted in reduced number of drop outs. This project needs more resources to enhance the educational levels and literacy among Vanvasis. This is a part of Tribal Integrated Development. These Teachers also imbibe our rich cultural heritage to young children through Bala Samskara Kendras. These are very popular.
Planned Project of the SVMM
Education plays a vital role in the growth and development of individuals, communities, and societies. For tribal students in India, education has become the key to unlocking a brighter future. Education is helping tribal students acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes that is enabling them to improve their living standards, access better opportunities, and contribute to the progress of their communities.