Madhi Foundation

In Tamil Nadu, the promise of education often begins in a government school classroom. Yet, as the ASER 2018 report starkly revealed, for 73% of Grade 3 children, that promise was faltering—they could not read a Grade 2 level text, and 81% struggled with basic subtraction. This foundational learning crisis, where a child who falls behind by Grade 3 stays behind, perpetuates inequality and deepens economic loss.

It is to solve this "crux of the crisis" that the Madhi Foundation was established, driven by the profound belief that ensuring access to meaningful primary education is the non-negotiable first step for every child. Madhi is committed to laying the groundwork for a nation of independent readers, thinkers, and innovators, allowing every child to acquire the skills necessary to work toward their dreams.

The Madhi Foundation operates with a clear mission: to eliminate the foundational literacy and numeracy gaps among children over the next decade. Its work is rooted in a systems-based approach, recognizing that a problem as complex as the learning crisis demands a nuanced, holistic, and empathetic solution. As its Founder, Merlia Shaukath, notes, Madhi ensures its solutions holistically address every layer of the education system, focusing on teaching materials, training, and governance with equal rigor. The Foundation has been recognized for its credibility, having been awarded the prestigious GuideStar India Transparency Key award in 2021.

The organization's programs are designed as a holistic intervention across different levels of the system. Madhi develops Teaching Learning Material (TLM) that is skill-based and culturally relevant, mapped to state syllabi, and leverages Technology by building simple, contextual, and scalable tech tools. Their work includes Training to improve teacher competencies, Tracking through the collection and analysis of verified data to drive informed policy decisions, and Tutoring at Home by empowering parent communities. Furthermore, Madhi undertakes Targeted Communication and advocacy to increase awareness about the criticality of foundational learning among all stakeholders.

Looking ahead, Madhi's vision is one where foundational learning comes first so that every child can genuinely thrive. The ultimate goal is to avert the societal breakdown that occurs when schooling is devalued and does not equate to learning. By embedding itself within existing government structures and leveraging data-driven, non-siloed solutions, Madhi Foundation is demonstrating that a truly equitable world, where every child has an equal chance to achieve their potential, is within reach.