The ESM Shiksha Program

Strategic Partnerships for Rural Excellence

The CherYsh ESM Shiksha Program is a structured academic intervention designed to bridge critical learning gaps for students is a collaborative ecosystem designed to bring world-class educational opportunities to the heart of rural Karnataka. In partnership with the Deshpande Foundation and supported by Tata Elxsi’s CSR initiative, we are transforming the academic landscape for students in Classes 6–10 from government schools. We move beyond simple tutoring by integrating remediation with grade-level acceleration.

The Challenge We Solve

In many middle-school classrooms, a “hidden gap” exists. Students are often expected to master complex secondary curriculum.  With  the right support, rural students can compete at the highest levels. By, strengthening English communication and digital literacy, we are opening doors to:

  • Higher Education in specialized fields.
  • Career Opportunities in the modern workforce.

Computing & Technology literacy for the next generation.

Our Dual-Layer Learning Model

We don’t just teach the syllabus; we rebuild the foundation while moving forward.

  • Layer 1: Foundational Bridging

Revisiting and mastering essential concepts from Grades 1–5 to close existing gaps.

  • Layer 2: Grade-Level Acceleration

Providing structured, high-impact support aligned with the current academic curriculum to ensure exam readiness.

Subject-Specific Strategies

English: From Phonics to Fluency

We focus on building confident communicators through:

  • Phonics and reading reinforcement.
  • Structured vocabulary and sentence formation.
  • Spoken English practice and workbook-based learning.

Mathematics: Conceptual Mastery

We shift the focus from memorization to problem-solving by:

  • Mastering fractions, decimals, and percentages.
  • Implementing practice-driven worksheets.
  • Connecting math to real-life application exercises.

Layer 2: Grade-Level Acceleration

Providing structured, high-impact support aligned with the current academic curriculum to ensure exam readiness.

AI-Enabled Teacher Support

At CherYsh, we believe AI should support teachers, not replace them. Our ESM program integrates cutting-edge tools to enhance classroom delivery:

  • Structured Lesson Plans: AI-generated prompts and concept explanations.
  • Smart Assessments: Rapid generation of tests and remedial group suggestions.
  • Data Dashboards: Real-time academic tracking to monitor student progress.

Measurement & Impact Tracking

We believe in visible, data-driven academic transformation. Most students see significant progress within 6–9 months through our rigorous framework:

Metric

Method of Evaluation

Literacy

Reading fluency and comprehension tracking

Numeracy

Math concept mastery and arithmetic speed

Science

Comprehension testing and conceptual mapping

Engagement

Classroom participation and attendance indicators

Growth

Continuous Baseline vs. Endline assessments



Objectives
Enhance Language Proficiency
  • Develop reading, listening, and speaking skills.
  • Deliver curated language lessons using interactive methods.
  • Provide resources like workbooks and audio materials for extended learning.
  • Conduct activities that encourage self-expression in English.
  • Facilitate group discussions and celebrate student achievements.
  • Track confidence improvements through pre-and post-assessments.
  • Engage students in role-plays, presentations, and peer-interaction activities.
  • Provide constructive feedback on communication style and clarity.
  • Organize workshops on critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership.
  • Promote teamwork through collaborative projects.
  • Enable real-life applications of life skills and monitor progress.
Key Activities
Language Proficiency
  • Conduct baseline assessments and create tailored learning plans.
  • Deliver lessons focused on key language components—reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
  • Facilitate judgment-free group discussions and role-plays.
  • Recognize progress to boost students’ morale.
  • Promote oral communication through interactive exercises.
  • Encourage peer collaboration and feedback for improvement.
  • Host workshops and collaborative activities to teach critical skills.
  • Provide opportunities for practical application and track development over time.

Our Collaborative Model

We believe that systemic change requires a united front. Our program model is deeply embedded in the communities we serve.:

  • Students & Parents: The core focus of our educational journey.
  • SDMC Members: Ensuring school-level accountability and development.
  • Village Panchayats: Aligning with local governance for long-term sustainability.

Content Partners: Leveraging the Skill in Village (SiV) framework by the Deshpande Foundation to equip students with essential life skills.

Community Impact

Our after-school program for Grades 6–10 does more than just teach from a textbook.

For the Students: Beyond the Classroom

Each Shiksha center targets 30–35 students, focusing on:

  • English Proficiency: Enabling students to navigate computing technologies and higher education.
  • Life Skills: Fostering leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication.
  • Confidence: Building the self-belief required to pursue global opportunities.

For the Community: Livelihood & Leadership

We empower the village by empowering its women. We select and train young women from local communities as Learning Facilitators.

This initiative provides them with a respectable, prestigious, and sustainable livelihood, turning them into educational leaders within their own neighbourhoods.

Partner with Us to Drive Lasting Change

We are ready to scale our initiatives to create a powerful, sustainable learning ecosystem—one village at a time.

What People Say

Our Partners In Transformation

We don’t work alone. Every partnership is a collaboration between belief and action.

Anita Singh

Anita Singh has worked in the advertising and marketing industry for several years, handling brands across various industries, including IT services, consumer durables, and ice creams. She is a highly motivated strategic leader with more than 25 years of global corporate experience and success in aligning people, brand and organization propositions to deliver business value – both for scaling and growth.She is dedicated to supporting education and livelihoods for underprivileged women and children and supporting the needs of the elderly and less fortunate. As a Trustee for the CherYsh Trust, she works to better the prospects of women and children through programs that prepare them for future challenges.