Academics

Once children have gained RTE admissions, our work has just begun! We understand children hailing from Tamil-speaking households are at a disadvantage compared to affluent, English-speaking peers. KarmaCorps has heard the concerns of schools that such children can't keep up. This is why why do not expect schools to do all of the heavy lifting. 

For all admitted children in our neighborhoods, we offer free tuition at our very own centers. Our clean, colorful Chetpet center is outfitted with laptops, books, desks, and everything necessary to foster learning. At present, 60 children study here for two hours at a time (in batches of 6-10 students), under the careful instruction of three teachers and two class aides. Instruction is English-medium with a focus on English, as we believe understanding the language is integral to understanding all other subjects in school. We group students based on their age and school, so that each batch gets extensive focus on their current lessons and curriculum. 

​

At the end of every class, we serve healthy, organic, calorie-dense snacks: sundal, ragi porridge, peanut barfi, and health mix drinks are examples. We began this meal program when we noticed many of the children were underweight for their age. Additional free medical checks offered to the families confirmed many were anemic. Since implementing the snacks, we have observed an increase in the health baselines of several children. Other parents have pulled us to the side and have explained the meals have been very beneficial when their own financial crises have kept them from putting enough food on the table.  

​

The academic performance of our 60 students has been, overall, strong. Their performance reveals a normal bell curve in which the majority are keeping up with their peers. A handful are on the lower end, while another handful are actually class toppers. 

​

To encourage attendance, we pay out scholarships of up to 10,000/- annum per child. We do this not only to get parents involved in our programs, but to also help the families pay ancillary costs. These include auto fares, books and uniforms, and the many unexpected, costly aspects of attending top schools.