India, Sept. 10 -- In rural India, literacy is more than just the ability to read and write, providing the foundation for lifelong learning and livelihood. Yet, despite decades of progress, a large number of children in underserved communities continue to struggle with foundational reading skills.
The inability to read fluently at the right age not only hampers academic performance but also closes doors to opportunities later in life, from higher education to dignified employment.
Schools alone cannot bridge this gap. Frequently under-resourced in rural areas, a single teacher may be tasked with handling multiple grades or classes of 30-40 children, each at different reading levels. The pressure to complete the syllabus leaves little room...