Multilingual Education Program for Ho Language Learners of Nilagiri, Balasore: Some Case Studies

Multilingual education program is an innovative program to develop education of the tribal learners. It has been introduced in Odisha since 2006-07. It gives opportunity and attracts tribal students towards education and increases their literacy rate. The present study intends to analyse the field realities of education in tribal sector of Nilagiri, Balasore through case study approach. The study answer the questions like: (i) How far the infrastructural facilities available in the MLE schools are adequate and relevance?; (ii) How far the class room process is effective to the tribal student?; (iii) How far the resources are adequate and relevant in MLE schools?; and (iv) What are the problems and prospects of MLE implementation process? To answer these questions case study method was used to collect data from 2 MLE (sample) schools, out of 13 MLE schools. With the help of three self made tools like: Classroom observation schedule; Interview schedule for the teachers; and School information schedule data was collected. The collected data was tabulated and analysed through content analysis technique. The results revealed that: (i) though there are policy for sufficient infrastructural facilities in MLE schools, but in reality these two schools don’t have sufficient infrastructural facilities; (ii) With regard to material recourses MLE schools are well equipped with materials, get support from community members; (iii) MLE teachers are perceived that late arrival of MLE books, lack of training programs, lack of funds for MLE materials, and lake of script in “Ho” language are the problems for them.