Education is the cornerstone of progress — yet in many parts of India, especially in rural Bihar, thousands of children attend school but struggle to read, write, and perform basic math. This gap between schooling and actual learning is where Project SPARSH (Strengthening Primary Achievement through Resources, Support, and Holistic Learning) steps in to bring meaningful change.
The Urgent Need for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in Bihar
According to the ASER and NIPUN Bharat indicators, a significant number of children in Bihar’s government schools cannot read simple sentences or solve basic arithmetic problems even after reaching upper primary grades.
In Gaya district, the situation mirrors this national concern:
- Many children in Classes 3–5 can’t read a Class 2 textbook fluently.
- Teachers face large class sizes and limited learning materials.
- Parents, often daily wage earners, cannot support home learning.
This early learning gap leads to low confidence, poor retention, and long-term academic struggles, making it crucial to focus on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) — the ability to read with understanding and perform basic arithmetic by age 10.
Project SPARSH: A Model for Change
Glad Bharat Foundation launched Project SPARSH in Mahodar village (Bodhgaya block) to address these challenges at the root. The project focuses on:
- Activity-Based Learning – Children learn through stories, games, and local examples that make reading and math engaging.
- Teacher Support and Resources – Teachers receive practical tools, workbooks, and training to conduct effective classroom sessions.
- Community Involvement – Parents and volunteers are engaged through reading camps and awareness drives to create a culture of learning at home.
- Regular Assessments – Progress is tracked through simple learning tools aligned with ASER and NIPUN Bharat benchmarks.
Real Impact from Gaya
In just a few months of implementation, SPARSH classrooms in Mahodar have seen remarkable change: children now read aloud with confidence, count objects in daily life, and participate enthusiastically in storytelling sessions. Teachers report improved attendance and stronger student engagement.
A Class 3 student, Rupa, once shy and unable to read even small words, now confidently reads stories to her peers — a small but powerful example of how foundational learning can rebuild confidence and curiosity.
The Road Ahead
Glad Bharat Foundation aims to expand Project SPARSH to 25 government schools in Gaya, prioritizing IIM Bodhgaya-adopted villages. By strengthening foundational learning today, we are nurturing self-reliant and confident citizens of tomorrow.
Because every child deserves more than just schooling — they deserve the power to learn, understand, and grow.
