A child that falls behind by Grade 3, stays behind.

Attainment of foundational literacy and numeracy is the ability of a Std 3 child to read and comprehend basic text and to carry out some basic arithmetic operation with Indian numerals. The ASER 2018 report states that 73% of Std 3 students cannot read a Std 2 level text while 81% of Std 3 students cannot solve questions on subtraction. Research shows that addressing these learning deficits gets only increasingly difficult as the students progress through the system, the learning gap further perpetuating inequity and economic loss. This is the crux of the foundational learning crisis.

By ensuring a strong focus on foundational learning, we hope to lay the foundation for a nation of independent readers, thinkers and innovators, allowing every child to acquire the skills needed to work toward their dreams.

We are committed to ensuring that every child in Tamil Nadu achieves foundational learning skills by 2025, and we work with the Government of Tamil Nadu to collaboratively create holistic solutions towards this vision.

Ensuring access to meaningful primary education is the least we can do but the first thing we must do, for every child.

Foundational learning first, so every child can thrive.

Imagine a world where every child has a truly equal chance to achieve their potential. That is the world we dream of. The world we hope to build.

At Madhi we believe that the foundational literacy and numeracy learning gaps among children must be eliminated over the next ten years, in order to avert a monumental crisis and societal breakdown, where schooling does not equate to learning, and education is significantly devalued.

“A problem as complex as the foundational learning crisis needs a nuanced, holistic, and empathetic approach rooted in the realities of the context.”

– Merlia Shaukath, Founder, Madhi Foundation.

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Systems Approach
We work with a systems approach to ensure that our solutions holistically address every layer of the complex education system. We believe all aspects of education including teaching materials, training, and governance, need equal focus and improvement.
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Holistic Intervention
We design interventions both at a larger system level as well as at institutional levels to ensure maximum reach. For instance, while some of our programs are delivered through the state governments, others are taken directly to individual schools and institutions.
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Not in Silos
We do not attack the problem in silos. Instead, we recognize that complex problems often require complex, integrated solutions.
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Data Driven
We collect meaningful and verified data, and conduct thorough analysis that form the foundation of our decision-making process. We have developed robust data collection systems and technology to ensure the same.
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Contextual Technology
We use simple, context-specific technology to drive outcomes across various domains. These range from mobile applications, to tailor-made digital systems.
gUIDESTARKEY
“We have been awarded the prestigious GuideStar India Transparency Key award for 2021 and have joined India’s largest pool of credible NGOs after undergoing a rigorous due diligence process”