How Educated Mothers Of Young Kids Can Be Asset for NIPUN

Introduction

The new National Education Policy (NEP 2020) was launched on July 29, four years ago. One of its key recommendations is to ensure that by the time children reach Grade 3, they have acquired foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

To this end, the Centre launched the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat Mission) on July 5, 2021. The mission aims to achieve universal foundational literacy and numeracy in primary school by 2026-27.

The Role of Educated Mothers in NIPUN Bharat

Demographic Trends in Mother’s Education

School enrollment levels for children aged 6-14 have significantly increased in the past decades. This push towards universal elementary education means more children are enrolling in and completing elementary education. Simultaneously, the education levels of mothers with children aged 4-8 have also seen a steep rise.

• Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Haryana: 30-40% of mothers have schooling beyond Grade 10.
• Tamil Nadu: Close to 43% of mothers have high school education.
• Himachal Pradesh: Over 54% of mothers have high school education.
• Kerala: Almost 72% of mothers have received high school education.

Leveraging Educated Mothers for NIPUN Bharat

Despite the low labor force participation rate (LFPR) for women in India, educated mothers present a unique resource for supporting young children’s learning. The data shows that:

• Overall female LFPR in India is only 37% (41.5% in rural areas and 25.4% in urban areas).
• For women aged 15-29, the LFPR is even lower at 24.5% (25.8% in rural areas and 20.8% in urban areas).

Why Educated Mothers Are Key to NIPUN Bharat’s Success

1. Educational Support at Home: Educated mothers can provide better educational support at home, helping children with their studies and reinforcing what they learn at school.
2. Enhanced Engagement: The pandemic has already increased parents’ involvement in their children’s education. This momentum can be sustained and leveraged to meet the goals of the NIPUN Bharat Mission.
3. Role Models: Mothers with higher education levels serve as role models for their children, emphasizing the importance of education and motivating children to excel academically.
4. Bridging the Gap: Mothers can bridge the gap between school and home learning, ensuring that children receive continuous and consistent educational support.

Implementation Strategies

1. Community Engagement Programs: Initiate programs that encourage mothers to participate in their children’s educational activities.
2. Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs): Strengthen PTAs to facilitate better communication between teachers and parents, allowing for collaborative efforts in children’s education.
3. Workshops and Training: Organize workshops and training sessions for mothers to equip them with effective teaching techniques and strategies.
4. Educational Resources: Provide accessible educational resources and materials that mothers can use to support their children’s learning at home.

Data and Examples

Summary

• Educated mothers are a valuable asset for achieving the goals of the NIPUN Bharat Mission.
• Increased parental involvement, particularly by mothers, can significantly enhance children’s foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
• Targeted strategies and programs can help leverage this resource effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the NIPUN Bharat Mission? A: The NIPUN Bharat Mission aims to ensure that every child in India attains foundational literacy and numeracy by the end of Grade 3 by 2026-27.

Q2: Why are educated mothers important for NIPUN Bharat? A: Educated mothers can provide better educational support at home, serve as role models, and bridge the gap between school and home learning.

Q3: What are some strategies to involve mothers in NIPUN Bharat? A: Strategies include community engagement programs, strengthening PTAs, organizing workshops and training sessions, and providing educational resources.

Q4: How has the pandemic affected parental involvement in education? A: The pandemic increased parental involvement in children’s education as schools were closed, and parents had to take a more active role in their children’s learning.

Q5: What are the demographic trends in mothers’ education? A: There has been a significant increase in the education levels of mothers with children aged 4-8, with many states showing high percentages of mothers having completed high school education.

By leveraging the educational background of mothers, the NIPUN Bharat Mission can achieve its ambitious goal of universal foundational literacy and numeracy, ensuring a brighter future for India’s children.