SHIKVAN

SHIKVAN, a social multipurpose society registered as Shikvan NGO in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, is committed to strengthening humanity, promoting inclusi Read moreve knowledge, and fostering a values-based research and awareness system. The organization's mission is rooted in the belief that collective action is the key to overcoming challenges efficiently and effectively. The Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra comprises a significant 76% forested area, with the highest "very dense" forest coverage (4706 Sq. Km.) of any district in India, as per the State of Forest Report 2017 by FSI. Its terrain is characterized by undulating and hilly landscapes, including steep slopes even in the plains. This geographical feature results in a disconnection for 212 villages during the monsoon season, lasting for four months. Consequently, a substantial portion of the tribal population remains isolated from the "mainstream" society. This isolation leads to a lack of awareness regarding government schemes and forest rights, although there is a growing understanding of entitlements. Additionally, the district exhibits linguistic diversity, with seven languages spoken, including Gondi, Madiya, Marathi, Hindi, Telugu, Bengali, and Chhattisgadi. This linguistic variety presents a communication challenge when it comes to disseminating information about government schemes and programs among the local populace. Shikvan identified shortcomings in the rural education framework in Gadchiroli, resulting in a lack of awareness about health, nutrition, employment opportunities, and educational prospects. This led to isolation from mainstream ideas and technology, creating a generational cycle that needed to be broken. Shikvan NGO aims to disrupt this cycle through its "Pahili_te_naukri" project, focusing on educational and social awareness. In 2020, Shikvan informally began educational activities on an individual basis in Botheda, Gadchiroli, Sub Division District, and Maveli, Etapalli. It identified issues in teaching and learning methods in rural areas, including deficiencies in basic mathematics, science, reading skills, and a lack of innovative approaches to learning. For example, students in 1st to 12th grade struggled with basic math problems equivalent to 7th-grade level, while 7th to 8th-grade students had difficulty spelling basic English words. Therefore, in 2021, Shikvan’s team members realized that by working together, they could more efficiently and effectively address these challenges. Consequently, it officially launched Shikvan Samajik Bahuddeshiya Sanstha (registration no. gad/000033/2021) in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, to address these educational issues.