Kerala launches 'Revive-Navajeevanam' to boost primary students' math, language skills
The General Education department in Kerala has launched a new initiative to address learning gaps among lower and upper primary students. The programme, named 'Revive-Navajeevanam', focuses on improving proficiency in Malayalam, English, and Mathematics.
Implemented by Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK), the initiative is part of the state government's 100-day action plan. Samagra Shiksha Kerala is the state-level implementation body of the centrally sponsored Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all school children.
General Education Minister N. Samsudheen released the brochure of the programme. Former General Education principal secretary D. Sajith Babu and SSK project director K. Mohana Kumar were also present on the occasion.
The launch was held in connection with the Onam festival, during which the Minister also inaugurated the distribution of four kilograms of rice to each schoolchild under the mid-day meal scheme. According to officials, as many as 23.5 lakh schoolchildren across the state will benefit from this distribution.
Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Anoop Jacob, who attended as the chief guest, said that 905 tonnes of rice would be distributed to students through Supplyco, the state's cooperative supply organisation. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan presided over the function.
Mr. Samsudheen also distributed festive wear, known as 'Onakkodi', to students from forest areas and marginalised communities who reside in residential hostels run by Samagra Shiksha Kerala. The organisation operates six residential hostels for boys and one for girls across the state.
The 'Revive-Navajeevanam' programme is designed to identify specific learning gaps in foundational literacy and numeracy among students in lower and upper primary classes. Teachers will be trained to use targeted interventions, and periodic assessments will be conducted to track progress. The initiative is expected to strengthen the foundational skills of students, enabling them to perform better in higher classes.
Officials said the programme will be rolled out in all districts, with special attention to schools that have shown lower performance in recent assessments. The department aims to create a supportive learning environment that encourages students to overcome difficulties in reading, writing, and arithmetic.
The distribution of rice and festive wear is part of the government's efforts to ensure that no child is deprived of nutrition or celebration during the Onam season. The mid-day meal scheme, which provides cooked meals to schoolchildren, is a key component of the government's welfare measures. The additional rice supply is intended to support families during the festival period.
The launch event underscored the government's commitment to both educational improvement and social welfare. By addressing learning gaps and providing essential supplies, the initiative seeks to create a more equitable school environment for children from all backgrounds.
