SGOU, literacy mission join hands for educational inclusivity

In a significant move towards educational inclusivity, Sreenarayanaguru Open University (SGOU) has partnered with the Kerala State Literacy Mission through a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU). This collaboration launches the “From literacy to higher education” initiative, designed to identify and support Class 12 equivalency graduates in pursuing university degrees.

The agreement was signed by SGOU Registrar-in-Charge Biju R.I. and Literacy Mission Director A.G. Oleena, in the presence of Higher Education Minister R. Bindu and Vice-Chancellor Jagathy Raj V.P.

“This initiative marks a pivotal transition from basic literacy to higher learning,” Dr. Bindu said. She said the primary objective was to open the doors of university education to those who successfully completed their Class 12 equivalency through the literacy mission. This move, she noted, would bring the State closer to the government’s visionary mission of making Kerala a complete graduate State.

Mr. Raj said the university was committed to supporting women who were forced to put their education on hold due to various circumstances. “By providing special considerations and integrating them into this initiative, the university aims to help them successfully resume and complete their academic journey,” he said.

The KSLM will lead the recruitment process by identifying eligible candidates for undergraduate programmes. To remove financial barriers, student fees will be covered through the district panchayat’s annual project funds.

Under the KSLM supervision, a streamlined admission process is being established at the SGOU for the present academic year. While the university hosts 2,000 equivalency graduates, 75% of whom are women, this new initiative targets over 10,000 new admissions this year.