That one observation stayed with us as we reviewed the year-end evaluations of Begin, our foundational literacy program for children in government-funded schools in Kerala.
At the beginning of the academic year, children in the program scored an average of 22% in phonics, reading, comprehension, grammar, and writing skills.
By the year-end evaluation, this had increased to 54%.
A comparison of baseline and year-end assessments showed improvement in 92% of the cohort.
The strongest gains were in phonics, word recognition, and sentence reading. Teachers also began reporting that improved reading ability was helping children engage better in other subjects as well.
But the data also taught us something important.
For children who begin with very low literacy levels, one year is often not enough for sustained learning recovery.
That learning is shaping the next phase of Begin.
Beginning in June 2026, Begin will become a two-year learning pathway starting in Grade 2.
The programme is also expanding and is expected to reach more than 300 children this year.
Grateful to every teacher, school leader, donor, and well-wisher who continues to walk alongside us in this journey.
