– Pallavi Kashyap, Founder & President, Nanhe Pakshi

India has made remarkable progress in expanding access to education. Today, more children are enrolled in schools than ever before, and education continues to be a national priority. Yet, despite these achievements, one challenge continues to stand in the way of meaningful learning for millions of children: foundational literacy and numeracy.

Having worked closely with children from underserved communities for several years, I have witnessed both their immense potential and the barriers that hold them back. Children are naturally curious, eager to learn, and full of aspirations. However, many struggle to acquire the basic reading, writing, and numeracy skills that form the foundation of all future learning.

For most of us, reading a short paragraph or solving a simple arithmetic problem feels routine. For many children across India, however, these skills remain out of reach. It is not uncommon to meet students in upper primary grades who find it difficult to read age-appropriate texts or perform basic calculations. This is not a reflection of their capabilities. Rather, it points to learning gaps that emerge early and often widen over time.

Foundational literacy is about much more than the ability to read and write. It enables children to understand information, express themselves confidently, think critically, and engage with the world around them. These are the skills that determine whether a child merely attends school or truly benefits from education.

When foundational skills are weak, the consequences are far-reaching. A child who struggles to read with comprehension is likely to face difficulties across all subjects. As lessons become more advanced, these students often fall behind. Over time, many lose confidence in their abilities, disengage from learning, and become increasingly vulnerable to dropping out of school.

One of the key reasons behind this challenge is the deep inequality that exists within the education ecosystem. Children from economically disadvantaged households often face obstacles that extend beyond the classroom. Many families are focused on meeting their daily needs, leaving limited time and resources to support their children’s education at home. Frequent migration, household responsibilities, and unstable living conditions can further disrupt a child’s learning journey.

The learning disruptions caused by the pandemic amplified these challenges. While some students were able to continue learning through digital platforms, many others had little or no access to technology. As schools reopened, educators across the country observed significant learning losses, particularly among younger children who had missed crucial years of foundational learning. For many, rebuilding confidence became just as important as rebuilding academic skills.

Another reality that deserves attention is that children learn at different paces. In overcrowded classrooms, teachers often face the difficult task of addressing diverse learning needs simultaneously. Despite their dedication, providing individual attention to every student can be challenging. As a result, children who require additional support may continue progressing through grades without mastering essential skills.

This is where communities can make a meaningful difference. Beyond schools and classrooms, learning can be strengthened through local support systems, volunteers, libraries, reading programmes, and parental engagement. Simple activities such as storytelling, reading aloud, and encouraging children to ask questions can significantly improve learning outcomes. Often, consistent encouragement and patient guidance can help children overcome barriers that once seemed insurmountable.

Parents, too, play a vital role. Education should not be viewed solely through the lens of examinations and report cards. Creating an environment where children feel encouraged to explore, read, and express themselves helps foster a lifelong love of learning. Even small acts of involvement can have a lasting impact on a child’s educational journey.

The encouraging news is that foundational literacy has gained greater policy attention in recent years. The National Education Policy 2020 rightly identifies foundational literacy and numeracy as an urgent national mission, recognising that all future learning depends on these essential skills. However, policies alone cannot solve the challenge. Sustainable progress will require collaboration among governments, educators, families, civil society organisations, and communities.

India’s future depends on the capabilities of its young population. If we aspire to become a truly knowledge-driven and inclusive nation, ensuring that every child acquires foundational literacy must be treated as a shared responsibility and a national priority.

Strong foundations create confident learners. Confident learners become empowered individuals who contribute meaningfully to society. Investing in foundational literacy today is not simply about improving educational outcomes—it is about creating opportunities, reducing inequality, and building a stronger future for generations to come.

Every child deserves the chance to learn with confidence and dignity. Ensuring that they develop these foundational skills is the first and most important step towards making that vision a reality.

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