In India’s rural and semi-urban government schools, a majority of students struggle to read simple English sentences even by Grade 5. This is compounded by a severe shortage of trained English teachers. Thousands of schools operate with only one teacher—often focused on Kannada or social studies—leaving subjects like English, math, and science untaught. Karnataka alone has just 5,732 English teachers compared to nearly 82,000 Kannada teachers in primary grades , reflecting a stark imbalance. The shortage is most acute in underserved regions like Hyderabad-Karnataka, where declining enrolment and teacher vacancies (UDISE+, New Indian Express) feed into each other, further eroding the quality of public education. In semi-urban and rural areas, these challenges contribute to deep learning gaps and restrict students’ ability to pursue higher education or competitive employment. As per ASER 2022/2024, only 5.5% of Std III students can read a simple English sentence; 14.8% cannot read any letters. By Std V, just 30% can read basic English. Despite ~98% school enrolment, rural Karnataka faces severe foundational learning deficits.
Elevate, launched in 2010 in Anekal, is OBLF’s flagship education program focused on transforming English literacy, enhancing learning outcomes for students in government schools—while creating meaningful livelihoods for local women. An offshoot of Elevate is Vidya Pragathi program which was initiated 2023, and focuses on bridging the gap in teacher capacity and student learning in other subjects, extending our impact into high schools.
The MOU we signed in 2023 with Karnataka State Public Instruction Department enabled expansion of our impact beyond Anekal into the aspirational districts of Yadgir and Raichur.
We are changemakers in education, women’s empowerment, and public health.