What is an Ekal Vidyalaya?
An Ekal Vidyalaya is a one-teacher school that brings non-formal primary education to 25–30 tribal children aged 4–10 — in villages where no other school reaches. FTS has supported these schools since 1989.
How it works
One teacher, from the village, for the village
Rather than asking tribal children to travel to distant town schools — or importing teachers who won't stay — an Ekal Vidyalaya trains a local youth as the teacher. Classes are held at a time and place that suits village life, so children who work with their families can still learn.
Each school covers classes I–III equivalent and feeds motivated students into the formal education system.
Sponsor a school — ₹22,000/year
The curriculum
Five-fold education
Every Ekal Vidyalaya delivers five streams of learning:
1 · Functional Literacy
Reading, writing and arithmetic — the foundation for everything else.
2 · Arogya (Healthcare)
Hygiene, nutrition and preventive health awareness for children and families.
3 · Gramothan (Development)
Practical development education for village self-reliance.
4 · Empowerment
Awareness of rights, opportunities and civic participation.
5 · Sanskar (Values)
Ethics and value education rooted in community life.
Common questions
Ekal Vidyalaya FAQs
Why one teacher instead of a full school?
Remote tribal villages cannot access schools in distant towns, and formal rural schools struggle to retain qualified teachers. Training one committed local youth solves both problems — the teacher belongs to the village and stays.
What happens after a child finishes Ekal Vidyalaya?
Children completing the program are supported to enter formal government schools, having gained the literacy and confidence to continue their education.
How much does it cost to run one school?
₹22,000 runs one Ekal Vidyalaya for a full year — teacher's honorarium, materials and supervision included. You can sponsor a school outright or contribute any amount towards the program.