Literacy Programme: Elderly in DK set to take exams

Mangaluru: The elderly population of Dakshina Kannada, who were deprived of education due to various reasons, will appear for their first examination on Sunday after studying for nearly four months. A total of 717 candidates, between the age of 45 and 82 years, will take the exam under the ‘1000 Gram Panchayats Literacy Programme', the state govt's literacy campaign.
The programme, launched in the 2022-23 has completed two phases so far. Based on 2011 census data, a target was set at around 11,667 adults in Dakshina Kannada. Candidates from all taluks of DK, except Bantwal will appear for the exam at their respective gram panchayat limits. Similar initiatives are also being conducted under adult education programmes.
District officer (in charge) of the adult education programme in Dakshina Kannada Fathimabi TI, told that they were unable to meet the target of 11,667 by 2025, as set by the govt. She cited several reasons, including death of beneficiaries, migration, and other elders being bedridden and unable to pursue studies. Teachers trained at DIET, Dakshina Kannada, conducted classes for the elderly over the past four months.
The programme includes a total of 200 hours, with 120 hours theory and 80 hours of practical classes. "So far, all those who appeared for the exam cleared it and were declared literate. We are now focusing on reaching those who were not enrolled in the programme. This time, we are preparing a Google form that will be circulated across all departments in the district to identify those who were left out," she said.
A programme co-ordinator said that despite their age and health conditions, there is tremendous enthusiasm and eagerness to learn among the elderly. An octogenarian, the senior-most candidate, will be appearing for the exam this time. "We have seen candidates participating enthusiastically, often with the support of their children or grandchildren," the coordinator said. To help them prepare for the upcoming exam, a combined study session was organised. The coordinator added that the learners' eagerness to study is comparable to that of school or college students.
The exam will be conducted at 75 exam centres, including gram panchayat and govt school buildings. A comprehensive preparation programme has been devised for the literacy test, targeting 21 learners from Mangaluru North, 52 from Mangaluru South, 19 from Moodbidri, 237 from Puttur, 112 from Belthangady, and 256 from Sullia.