KARKALAAM – A Rural Children’s Literacy Program
To remove the educational imbalance in underprivileged communities.
By addressing learning poverty and educational inequality, Karkalaam aims to create a sustainable model that ensures every child acquires a strong educational foundation and essential numeracy skills, envisioning this model to be replicated in other rural areas facing similar challenges.
கற்கலாம் – Karkalaam is 2-year-old program. Now, stepping into 2025-2026 with stronger goals.
He Learned Letter A
Yoga Shri and Her Favourites
Imagine stepping into a village in 2025 and meeting a primary grader who struggles to read, write, or do basic subtraction.
In Kurumbapatti village, a young student reaches middle school yet finds it difficult to read a simple sentence, write clearly, or solve basic math problems. Education is a daily battle, overshadowed by household responsibilities and discouraging words that erode confidence. Many children come from broken families, financial hardships, health conditions and a community with no graduates. They grow up believing they can’t—until someone shows them they can. Karkalaam is here to change that. Through foundational literacy, creative learning, and skill-building, we empower children with the confidence to read, write, think critically, and dream beyond their circumstances. Progress is already visible—children are eager to learn, improving their skills, and showing up even on holidays. Education is their path out of poverty. With the right support today, they can build a better tomorrow.
Join us. Support Karkalaam. Be the Change-Maker.
The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 highlights the state of Physical Education (PE) teachers in rural schools across Tamil Nadu.
- 2018: Only 6.4% of rural schools had a dedicated PE teacher.
- 2022: This number dropped to 5.4%, indicating a decline in PE staff.
- 2024: A slight increase to 7.1%, but still among the lowest in India.
- 2022: This number dropped to 5.4%, indicating a decline in PE staff.
The lack of dedicated physical education instructors impacts students’ overall development:
- Physical Health – Limited access to sports affects fitness and well-being.
- Cognitive & Social Skills – Sports foster teamwork, leadership, and discipline.
- Academic Performance – Regular physical activity enhances focus and learning outcomes.
With only 7.1% of rural schools having PE teachers, sports education must be
Karkalaam took sports for rural children along with education.
Education is a powerful tool, but for many children in underprivileged communities, access to quality learning remains a challenge. Karkalaam is more than just a literacy program—it’s a movement to break barriers, ignite curiosity, and build confidence in young minds. But we can’t do it alone. With your support, we can empower children with essential skills, nourishment, and opportunities to dream bigger.
Know more about how you can make a difference!
Educational imbalance is a real challenge. Foundational literacy plays a crucial role in a child’s higher education and future skill development. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the importance of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), aiming for every child to achieve proficiency in reading, writing, and basic mathematics by the end of Grade 3.
However, in Kurumbapatti village, 84% of underprivileged children from grades 1 to 8 struggle with basic math, reading, and writing skills. Many are unable to:
- Solve simple math problems
- Read and write basic English (e.g., days of the week, months of the year)
- Write a letter in their native Tamil language
Reading Proficiency Levels:
In four levels of reading level storybooks – level 1: beginning to read, level 2: learning to read, level 3: reading independently and level 4: reading proficiency. Children are comfortable with the book,
- Grades 6-8: Tamil (Level 2: Learning to read), English (Level 1: Beginning to read)
- Grades 1-5: Tamil & English (Level 1: Beginning to read)
The biggest challenge? Even after studying, children struggle to understand and answer questions on tests in both Tamil and English. Nutritional deficiencies further impact their learning abilities. Sadly, only a few students pass higher secondary exams, and financial hardships often force many into work at a young age.
What Happens at Karkalaam?
Our goal is to create a safe and supportive space where children develop a love for reading, writing, and math without fear of judgment. We want them to feel confident in who they are and who they are becoming.
At Karkalaam Literacy Center, we focus on:
- Basic reading, writing, and arithmetic to improve academic performance
- Skill-building sessions that go beyond traditional education
- Creating an environment that nurtures self-confidence, kindness, appreciation, respect, curiosity, creative thinking, and thoughtfulness
Where & When is Karkalaam Happening?
Location: Karkalaam Literacy Center, ABCD NGO, Kurumbapatti Village, Palaviduthi Post, Kadavur Taluk, Karur District, Tamil Nadu – 621311, India.
Timings:
- Weekdays: 4:10 PM – 5:10 PM
- Weekends: 3-hour sessions
Why is Karkalaam Happening?
Our Mission
To create opportunities for children to reach their full potential, discover their aspirations, and break the cycle of poverty. By enhancing their foundational skills, we aim to empower them to become the first graduates in their families.
How Does Karkalaam Work?
Our structured approach ensures effective learning:
- Level 1: Foundational learning – English, Tamil, and Math
- Level 2: Reading, storytelling, creative writing, drawing, and letter writing
- Level 3: Grade-specific curriculum and academic support
Additional Enrichments:
- One skill every three months
- One art form every month
- One field trip per year
- Weekly teaching plans with progress assessments
With 5+ dedicated tutors, our program is making a real difference. Admissions for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open!
Join Us in Making a Difference!
- Over 50 students are actively engaged in the program.
- A passionate team of educators is driving the initiative.
- New milestone: Students are developing confidence in math and language skills!
Thank you for taking the time to read. Let’s make sure children learn!
Support Karkalaam Today!
LONG-TERM VISION
Our goal is not just to support these children but to establish a sustainable model that can be expanded to other rural areas facing similar challenges. By providing a strong educational foundation, we aim to equip children with the skills needed to succeed and uplift their communities. If this initiative aligns with your commitment to education and social impact. Even a small contribution can create lasting change in these children’s lives. Many face unimaginable hardships, and together, we can help them break free from the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future.
Donate to the KARKALAAM Program
We are raising Rs. 9.30 lakh (USD 10801) for the KARKALAAM program for the financial year 2025-2026. Your contribution will directly impact education skills and nourishment for underprivileged children in Kurumbapatti village. Be a part of this life-changing initiative!
How you can support:
Join the Guidance Group – Support First-Generation Students!
Interested in listening to people • guiding the community
Help first-generation students from below-the-poverty-line families make informed decisions about their education. Many of these students have limited access to information on course selection, college admissions, and career opportunities. Your guidance can be life-changing!
As a guide, it would be very useful if you were aware of educational courses, government colleges, minimal fees, job guarantees, skill-oriented government schemes, and government exams.
For example, you can guide a 10th-grade graduate in selecting groups for 11th grade by making him aware of the career/ learning/ subjects/ courses behind the selection process.
TEACH YOUR SKILLS - FOR AN EXCELLENT EDUCATION
Volunteer to teach our children your skills. No teaching experience? No problem! If you have knowledge, skills, or expertise in any area, your support can make a lasting impact.
Join us today and help shape the future of young learners!
Our Fundraising Goals
Infrastructure
A common literacy center is essential for the consistent and efficient implementation of this project. In a village divided into communities, a shared learning space will create an inclusive environment where all children can access education.
Fundraising Goal: ₹3,00,000 (USD 3,480) for building a common literacy center.
Teaching Tools & Resources
Providing quality education to children requires essential teaching tools, from the basics of the alphabet to advanced learning materials. Books and other educational resources are crucial in guiding them through every stage of their learning journey.
Fundraising Goal: ₹40,000 (USD 465) for teaching stationery and materials.
Exam and Administration Needs
Work without progress tracking and recognition leaves no room for improvement. These essential resources allow us to assess, analyze, and celebrate students' performance, paving the way for growth and change.
Fundraising Goal: ₹30,000 (USD 350)
Tutor Salary
The tutors of Karkalaam are from Kurumbapatti village, belonging to families of daily wage earners and mothers with children. By employing them as tutors, we not only provide financial support but also ensure that the children receive better care and education.
Regular communication between tutors and mothers keeps parents informed about their child's progress, fostering a supportive learning environment.
Fundraising Goal: ₹2,20,000 (USD 2,555) for tutor salaries.
Healthy Snacks Fund
Providing nutritious snacks to our students from underprivileged backgrounds ensures they have the energy to learn, grow, and thrive. It also initiates a change in eating habits, encouraging healthier choices for the future. A healthy snack today strengthens bodies, boosts immunity, and supports well-being.
Fundraising Goal: ₹70,000 (USD 815) for Healthy Snacks Fund
Children's Stationery Needs
A single sheet of extra paper can transform into an aeroplane on a windy day or a boat on a rainy day in the hands of a child. Providing extra stationery to children is more than just a contribution; it's an opportunity for them to learn, create, and express their dreams. With your support, they can write, draw, and explore their ideas, enhancing their problem-solving skills and creativity.
Fundraising Goal: ₹50,000 (USD 580) for children's stationery.
Skill Sessions
Every child carries a spark of potential, waiting to shine. Through hands-on learning, we fuel their curiosity, ignite their creativity, and help them gain the confidence and skills they need to build a future full of possibilities.
Additional Enrichments:
One skill every three months (Food & Nutrition, Yoga, Martial Arts) – ₹90,000 (USD 1049)
One art form every month (Clay Modelling, Drawing, Storytelling, Story Writing, Folk Dance, Nature-Themed Origami, Village Documentation, Spelling Bee, Science Exhibition, Sports, Drama) – ₹1,00,000 (USD 1,163)
One field trip per year – ₹30,000 (USD 350)
Solve simple math problems
Read and write basic English (e.g., days of the week, months of the year)
Write a letter in their native Tamil language
Join the Movement
Your support, big or small, will shape the future of these children. Donate today and be a part of their journey toward education, empowerment, and opportunity!
