EduAction- Influencing policy in South Asia
South Asia’s human development indicators have posed a variety of challenges to education processes initiated by the government as well as civil society. Increasing dislocation of people due to conflict, people’s vulnerability to disasters, indifference of policy makers and culturally different traditions has denied education to large numbers of children. AeA South Asia aims at innovating education strategies to increase opportunities for communities, in collaboration with civil society groups and by impacting government policies in all South Asian countries.
AeA organizes workshops, conferences and capacity building exercises as part of its EduAction initiative to source and share information about education perspectives and interventions in South Asia. AeA collaborates with international organizations and government bodies who work in the areas of early childhood care and inclusive education.
Objectives:
- To continually explore practices in quality education by participatory action methods
- To engage a wide range of stakeholders such as governments, donors, the private sector as well as academics in innovating education strategies and encourage solidarity
- To enable evidence-based learning with the aim of influencing policy decisions
Partnerships and collaborations
AeA has collaborated with several international organizations and government bodies that are engaged in education, early childhood care and inclusive education. Various government departments and corporate organizations often collaborate with AeA to conduct studies, trainings and other events. In the year 2008, AeA has collaborated with the following organizations/agencies for conducting research and training:
- Department of Public Information, Government of Chattisgarh
- Rajiv Gandhi Shiksha Mission, Government of Chattisgarh
- Maharashtra Prathmik Shiksha Parishad
- Vikram Cement in Chattisgarh
- Ultra tech Cement in Madhya Pradesh
Research Studies
Research is one of the core functions of EduAction. In the year 2008, EduAction has carried out multi location and large scale research studies on the issues of education, inclusive education, community development and other development issues. Some of the major research studies include:
- Evaluation of School, Teacher and Maintenance grants with Maharashtra Prathmik Shiksha Parishad, Government of Maharashtra
- Evaluation of Teaching Learning Material Grant with Maharashtra Prathmik Shiksha Parishad, Government of Maharashtra
- Evaluation of the on going Mid Day Meal Programme in Primary Schools of Chhattishgarh State, Department of Public Information, Government of Chattisgarh
- Teacher Assessment and teacher training on Inclusive Education with Rajiv Gandhi Shiksha Mission, Chattisgarh
- Impact Assessment of the Community Development Initiative by Ultra Tech Cement, Harni – Chattisgarh
- Impact Assessment of the Community Development Initiative by Vikram Cement, Jawad tehsil in Neemach district of Madhya Pradesh
EduAction has taken up capacity building activities for partner NGOs and staff of directly implemented projects apart from commissioning training programs for different organizations