With Children's Day on the horizon, the resonance of the foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) commitment echoed louder than ever. It serves as a timely nudge, reminding us that each alphabet taught, every number comprehended, is a step toward building a robust foundation that will resonate in the symphony of economic growth and human capital development for generations to come.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 prioritises the attainment of foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) for all children as an “urgent national mission.” Therefore, it is imperative for India's education system to fully embrace and prioritise this transformative objective.

Now, let's dissect it further. What is foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN)?
FLN is broadly defined as a child’s ability to read basic texts and solve basic math problems. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy is one of the major themes of the NEP 2020.
 
In line with the priorities of NEP 2020, the Ministry of Education launched National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN) Bharat in July 2021 as a national mission to ensure that all Grade 3 children acquire foundational skills by 2026-2027.  

What Research Tells Us

According to media, in a groundbreaking study by Duncan in the Development Psychology journal, the significance of FLN came to the forefront. It revealed a link between a child’s early math and reading abilities before entering school and their later academic success.  

Beyond academics, children with strong foundational skills often display positive socio-emotional growth, enhanced self-regulation, social skills, emotional health, and more. Early numeracy proficiency is a catalyst, not only for solving mathematical puzzles but also for fostering robust problem-solving skills. It becomes the cornerstone of cognitive development, impacting memory and information processing.

Interestingly, 90% of a child's brain development transpires between the tender ages of three to eight. This revelation transformed the foundational stage of education into a crucible where the essence of a child's future is delicately shaped, where the imprints of FLN lay the groundwork for a lifetime of learning.

What makes FLN a National Mission?

The narrative took an intriguing twist when the economic ramifications of investing in Foundational Learning were revealed. It extended beyond the realm of nurturing young minds; it was about planting the seeds for economic prosperity on a national scale. Economic Investment in Foundational Learning emerged as a potent force, significantly impacting the country's growth trajectory.   

How?

Each investment in a child’s Foundational Literacy and Numeracy education could substantially gain the nation’s GDP. As per the media, calculating the Net Present Value (NPV) for an investment per child of INR 15,696 in Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) shows a benefit of INR 598,537/- for that individual over a 20-year period.

However, the absence of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy education could result in the loss of the evaluated gain, a poignant reminder that neglecting early education could squander the potential of an individual and, by extension, the nation.

Thus, as we commemorate Children's Day, let's collectively venture into a journey to invest not only in the early education of our children but also in the prosperity of our nation. Magic Bus is already leading the way in championing FLN in harmony with India's focus. Notably, it strongly aligns with the nation's priorities, emphasising the core of Magic Bus' mission - FLN, a cause passionately championed since our inception.

While the original FNL initiative is designed for early grades, Magic Bus is extending the principles of FNL to address the needs of older students (grades 6-8) who are lacking foundational skills. This extension is described as preparing these students for "grade appropriate learning" and making them ready to engage in the curriculum of their current grade level.

Read more to learn how Magic Bus is addressing FLN and advocating for formal education among students.