The high drop out rate (92% at the fourth standard) of the tribal children from the schools motivated the HiLDA team members to investigate on the real reason behind the unfortunate situation. The study mainly concluded on the basic principle that primary education should in mother tongue. Tribal students are attending the state schools where Malayalam, the state language is the medium, which is not the mother tongue of the tribals. They have their own oral language, which they use, in home and among the community. The student’s incapability to cop up with the system is the main reason for the stoppage of the studies. Hence HiLDA developed a book and curriculum in tribal language started a student centered school system, which is in tune with the tribal culture. The medium of instruction will be in tribal language. After a year of coaching, the state language also will be taught and confidence have been built among the students to compete with the non-tribal students. On the second year the students are enrolled in the state schools to continue their education. Our experiment have proved high success rate in reducing the dropping out.

• Tribal children between the age group of 5-12 are the students.
• Those who are not yet gone to school and drop outs from the school are the pupil
• Special book in tribal language and medium of instruction is tribal language.
• Alphabets are taught by the shape of tribal umbrella and bamboo sticks.
• After one year coaching the students are enrolled in the usual schools.
• 6 schools are in operation with more than 100 students in each year.
• Arts and sports competition based on tribal culture.