PROJECT - SANKARAN THATHA ATALABADI SCHOOLS

For children growing up in remote tribal villages of Andhra Pradesh, getting an education can begin with something as simple—and as powerful—as bringing the classroom closer to home. Sankaran Thatha Atalabadi provides accessible, child-friendly education to children in seven remote tribal villages across G. Madugula and Alluri Sitharama Raju districts. In villages where government schools are often many miles away, classes are held in simple hut centers built through the collective efforts of parents, villagers, and local supporters. Together, these communities are creating a safe and welcoming space where children can learn, grow, and imagine new possibilities for their future.

Atalabadi’s guiding philosophy is to create a school environment that “feels like a mother’s lap”—nurturing, welcoming, and centered around each child. Parents are actively involved in their children’s education, while teachers work closely with families to encourage regular attendance and help children stay in school despite challenges such as seasonal migration.

The program also creates a bridge to continued education. Children who complete the foundational curriculum receive a school completion certificate that enables them to enter government schools from Class 3 onward. Since 2015, 115 students from AID-supported Atalabadi schools have gone on to government residential schools run by ITDA, opening doors to further education and new opportunities.