What is TARA Akshar?

• TARA Akshar is a programme which teaches illiterate people how to read and write.
• It uses new technologies for learning, including advanced memory techniques.
• It works on kids and on adults. It works in cities and in rural areas.
• It uses computer software and an instructor, as well as special playing cards and writing books.
• The instructor does not have to be a trained teacher, but does have to do the authorised training course run by TARAhaat Ltd for instructors.
• It is run in a room with the instructor and the students; it is not an online self-taught class.
• TARA Akshar has been running successfully in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, NCR and Madhya Pradesh for nearly 2 years.
• Our combined drop-out rates and failure rates are extraordinarily low - less than 1% of all starters fail to graduate.
• To pass the programme, students have to pass a written comprehension test with 100% correct answers.The average pass rate is 97-98%
• Reading speeds at the end of the course vary but all students show considerable improvement with subsequent practice.

The TARA Akshar programme was created by Victor Lyons of ReadingWise as product manager in TARAhaat and developed with the TARAhaat team in 2004-06 in India. TARAhaat Marketing and Information Services Ltd. is India’s premier social enterprise using ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) to deliver a broad spectrum of services and products designed for the rural and peri-urban citizens of India. TARAhaat is part of the Development Alternatives Group

TARA Akshar uses the ReadingWise technique for learning.
TARA Akshar is a TARAhaat venture.
TARAhaat is part of the Development Alternatives Group.

TARA Akshar has been funded by DFID (through its PACS Programme), Telecentre.org, Oxfam, Suzlon Foundation, Connect For Change UK and others.