Uddipakam Boosts Learning Among Tribal Students

NALGONDA: The Bhadrachalam Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) has introduced the third series of its 'Uddipakam' workbooks after the initiative significantly improved the learning abilities of tribal students studying in government residential schools.

The latest series expands beyond the academic curriculum to include soft skills and emerging subjects such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, information technology, culture, traditions, family values and sports.

The first two series of workbooks were distributed to students studying in Ashram High Schools and Government Adarsha Schools run by the Tribal Welfare Department in Bhadradri-Kothagudem district. Officials said the programme has led to a marked improvement in students' reading, writing and mathematical skills.

The workbooks also contain questionnaires designed to strengthen logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, helping students prepare for entrance examinations to institutions such as Gurukulams, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Kendriya Vidyalayas and Sainik Schools.

Students credited the workbooks with making lessons easier to understand and improving their academic performance.

K. Prem Prathyusha, a Class II student of Government Adarsha School at Rajupeta, said the workbooks helped her complete homework independently and improve her examination scores. Class III student Ramavath Divya Keerthi said regular practice with the workbooks had enhanced her reading skills.

Teacher Karam Babu Rao said many tribal children join primary school from Anganwadi centres and initially struggle with Telugu because it is not their mother tongue. The first two series of workbooks, he said, had significantly improved their learning abilities.

Bhadrachalam ITDA project officer B. Rahul said nearly 95 per cent of students in Ashram High Schools had shown excellent performance in workbook-based activities, prompting the agency to introduce the third series.

He said the success of the programme had strengthened parents' confidence in tribal welfare schools, reflected in an increase in enrolment of 1,100 students last academic year and 600 more this academic year.