In the quiet lanes of Haliyal’s villages, something remarkable happens every afternoon. Children gather in community homes and shared village rooms—spaces that have slowly transformed into vibrant hubs of learning, creativity, and confidence. These are the CherYsh Shiksha After-School Learning Centres, designed to give rural children the kind of support and encouragement that can change the course of their futures.
A Learning Space Rooted in Community
The idea behind the Shikshas is simple yet powerful:
learning should feel close to home—literally.
Each centre is run within the village itself, making it accessible, familiar, and safe. And at the heart of every Shiksha is a trained Learning Facilitator, a local woman who brings warmth, patience, and a deep understanding of the children she teaches. These facilitators are not just instructors—they are role models, mentors, and anchors of trust.
Today, more than a thousand children benefit from these community learning spaces.
Learning That Feels Like Play
The Shiksha curriculum—CherYsh’s Active Rural Curriculum—is built on the belief that children learn best when they’re engaged, curious, and having fun. Lessons in English and Math come alive through:
- Music and rhythm
- Art and craft
- Puppetry
- Games and group activities
English, often the toughest subject for rural students, is taught through a phonics-based approach. Facilitators use digital phonics modules on tablets, helping children build strong foundations in reading and speaking—skills that open doors far beyond the classroom.
Support Beyond Academics
Shikshas are more than tutoring centres. They are holistic learning spaces where children receive:
- Homework support
- Revision and exam preparation
- A dedicated sports day each week
- Access to sports kits and physical activities
Creative workshops add another layer of joy—clay modelling, paper crafts, creative writing, plays, songs, and dance. Experienced trainers guide these sessions, helping children discover talents they never knew they had.
Growing Impact, Growing Dreams
Between 2015 and 2019, CherYsh reached 26 villages, establishing 37 Shikshas led by 37 Learning Facilitators. Over 1,000 children have been part of this journey—each one gaining confidence, skills, and a sense of possibility.
And this is just the beginning.
Plans are underway to bring Shikshas to even more villages, ensuring that every child in Haliyal has a place to learn, dream, and grow.
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