Sun Nov 10 14:23:25 UTC 2024: ## Tamil Nadu’s Literacy Program Sees Success with Over 5.9 Lakh Adults Taking Basic Literacy Test
**Chennai, India** – Over 5.9 lakh adults in Tamil Nadu participated in a basic literacy test conducted by the state’s School Education Department on Sunday. The test, part of the New India Literacy Programme (NILP), aimed to assess the progress of adults who have been enrolled in literacy classes since August.
The program, which began in 2022, has identified and enrolled illiterate adults across the state in 30,113 centers, offering them classes in basic reading and writing in Tamil. The curriculum also includes life skills training, such as operating an ATM and managing finances.
The test, offered in March and November to accommodate learners’ schedules, saw a significant number of participants. In Chennai alone, 13,480 people took the test, with many expressing satisfaction with the program.
“The paper was easy to navigate,” said S. Gayathri, a 30-year-old participant who has been attending classes regularly. “I find it slightly difficult to read full sentences, but I want to be able to read bus signs and help my daughter with her studies.”
Schools have also adjusted class schedules to accommodate the needs of parents who work during the day. B. Gunaselvi, principal of the Chennai Primary School in Aminjikarai, said, “Most of the parents are daily wage laborers, so we left it up to their convenience. In the three years the classes have been going on, awareness on the initiative among people has risen.”
Those who pass the literacy test will receive a certificate, marking their achievement in learning to read and write. The success of the NILP program demonstrates the state’s commitment to improving literacy rates and empowering its citizens.
First Piper 