more-in Determined to ensure even distribution of the fruit of literacy and education across all sections of society, the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA) has rolled out its coastal literacy programme, Aksharasagaram, in three more districts. Implemented with financial assistance from the Fisheries Department, the project combines KSLMA’s literacy and continuous education programmes. After its successful implementation in the coastal panchayats of Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram and Kasaragod districts, the programme has now been introduced in Ernakulam, Kollam and Kozhikode districts. It is being implemented in 234 wards in 39 least literate coastal panchayats spread across the three districts. Fifteen local bodies in Ernakulam, 12 in Kozhikode, and nine in Kollam district are covered under the programme. A survey conducted as a prelude to the roll-out of the programme found 5,856 illiterates in the three districts. With 2,740 illiterates, Kozhikode district topped the list, followed by Kollam with 2,400 and Ernakulam with 716 illiterates. Out of the 6,882 people who were found not to have cleared Standard 4, Kozhikode accounted for 5,300, Kollam, 9,82 and Ernakulam, 600. For better interaction with beneficiaries, KSLMA has inducted 204 instructors who have cleared Standard 10 examination from among the coastal population. “Those clearing the literacy programme along with those who have not cleared the Standard 4 examination will be admitted to the Standard 4 equivalent course, followed by their gradual progression to the seventh, tenth and higher secondary equivalent courses,” KSLMA sources said. In the first phase of the programme, 1,605 candidates appeared for the Standard 4 equivalent course in Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram, and Kasaragod districts where it was implemented in 65 wards spread over 13 coastal panchayats. Among them were 59 Scheduled Caste candidates and one from the Schedule Tribe. A survey conducted by the State Planning Board in 2012 had found that coastal regions accounted for the lowest literacy rate. This prompted KSLMA to promote literacy and equivalent courses focused on coastal regions. Improving coastal literacy towards the ultimate goal of achieving complete literacy and strengthening the patronage of fourth, seventh and tenth equivalent courses are among the primary objectives of the Aksharasagaram programme. Creating a suitable atmosphere for continuous education, improving the living standards of coastal folks, women empowerment, strengthening anti-drug activities, creating better awareness on sanitation, health, and environment conservation and ensuring better penetration and reach of welfare schemes and services for the coastal population are among the other stated goals. Steps have also been taken for documentation of various activities and reports related to the programme and profiles of participants and instructors. Apart from local bodies, the Fisheries Department, Matsyafed, and various organisations of fishermen are also associating with the project.

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