Vivek’s education push in Dhalai, Tripura: Technology, Tribals at the core

Making education more accessible and inclusive for children in Tripura's Dhalai district, Collector Vivek H B, IAS (2020 batch) is focusing on improving classroom teaching, strengthening students' basic reading and mathematics skills and providing better facilities in schools.

Recognising that the district's learning outcomes are below both the state and national averages, two key initiatives launched to strengthen education: Shiksha Sarthi and Project Prerna “Since we are in an aspirational district and is remotely located in Tripura we are taking measures to improve education” he quoted

The Shiksha Sarthi initiative addresses the shortage of subject teachers in remote schools. The district has around 756 schools, of which approximately 540 are located in Sixth Schedule areas under the Autonomous District Council. “Because of remote locations, the availability of teachers for all subjects is not there” he shared. With funds received from NITI Aayog, two dedicated recording rooms have been established under the initiative. Lessons in subjects such as Geography and Biology are being recorded and broadcast to schools, with interactive sessions also planned to enable student participation.

The second initiative, Project Prerna, focuses on improving reading and basic mathematics among students in Classes III and V. Initially being implemented in 10 schools, with every student's progress being monitored regularly.

“We have hired tribal young graduates who know the local language 'Kokborok' , and are paying them a nominal amount to help improve students learning outcomes and basic maths” he explained

These volunteers also work with parents to prevent children from dropping out of school. They attend parent-teacher meetings, counsel families and encourage children to return to school.

Apart from this, a significant achievement under NITI Aayog's Sampoornata Abhiyan, girls' toilets have been saturated in all approximately 740 schools in the district in the last three months.