It has been rightly said that elementary education is the foundation of obtaining cognitive, social, emotional and cultural development among children. Moreover, if such education is provided in local language through Anganwadis (village creche) or elementary schools, this can help to build interest among the children towards education.

In rural areas, Anganwadi is an important health and nutrition centre for women and children. Not only Anganwadi addresses the health and nutrition issues but is also responsible to impart basic elementary education to the children till 6 years of age. Considering the challenge at the grassroot about low attendance of children in Anganwadi centre. Sabal team tried to investigate the problem by reaching to the community people. After discussion with couple of parents of the children registered to AWC, it was realized that language is the biggest barrier for the children to understand the educational activities being held at the centres.

Sumitra m/o Vijay from Ambapat village shared that – “Ghar me korku bolte hai; Anganwadi me hindi me padaya jata hai jisse bachho ko kuch samjh nhi ata. Padhai agar Korku me karaya jaye toh bachho ka bhi mann lage” (At home we speak Korku; in Anganwadi they teach in hindi; if education is provided in Korku then children will also like). Another lady Sangita m/o Nita shared that – “Children are always confused with dual language learning as Korku dominates their understanding of a thing over any other language as it is our mother tongue and our children enjoy speaking and interacting in Korku”.

Caritas India through Sabal during the “Inter-state Korku Convention” also presented “Inclusion of Korku language in elementary education” as one of the developmental issues raised by the community on the platform. The idea of Korku medium in Anganwadi was very much appreciated by the education department and Caritas India Sabal Programme Manager Mr. Robin George was invited to share about the initiative by Hon’ble District Collector (Khandwa) – Shri. Vishesh Garpale. Mr. Robin also shared how Sabal partners at their own level introduced various teaching learning materials (TLM) translated in Korku language and has helped in increasing the children attendance at AWCs. He appreciated Sabal initiatives and sought for extended support.

Spandan team during this pilot initiative had distributed TLMs in more than 52 Anganwadi centres which has led to a positive outcome. Ms. Lartibai Chauhan who has been working as Anganwadi worker and providing her last days of services says – “This is the first time during my whole service such an initiative has been introduced which turned out to be effective”. “Sabal team is very much helpful and provides timely support to us in creating awareness among the mothers and children.

Teaching learning materials (TLM) provided by Sabal are very helpful and keep the children engaged in learning all day.” – She added.

In view of the effective outcome from the Sabal Initiative District Collector of Khandwa had introduced Elementary education primers in four language which includes – Korku, Nimar, Hindi and English.
These primers disseminate basic education to all the children such as numbers, names of colours, fruits, animals and plants, hygiene and cleanliness etc.

The Sabal initiative of introducing Korku language in the elementary education has helped in the amendment of the education policy of the department for the Korku dominated villages of Khalwa region (Khandwa district).