The stage is set for the launch of the second phase of Aksharasagaram’ project aimed at imparting literacy to people in coastal areas of the state.The project is being implemented by Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority in association with the Fisheries Department. The second phase of the Asksharasagaram’ project will be rolled out in Kollam, Ernakulam and Kozhikode districts. A total of 234 wards under 39 civic bodies in three districts have been selected for the roll out of phase two. We are planning to implement the literacy programme in three months and the class four equivalency programme over the next six months, Literacy Mission director P S Sreekala told Express. Overall Development The Aim The main aim of the Aksharasagaram project is to strengthen the Literacy Mission’s Class IV and Class VII equivalency programmes. Illiterate people, neo-literates, school dropouts, people with mental and physical disabilities and all fisher folk who have not passed Class IV would be the beneficiaries of the project. More than a mere literacy programme, Aksharasagaram is an initiative for coastal conservation, preservation of fish wealth and career guidance, Sreekala said. A total of 1,605 people had participated in phase one of Aksharasagaram which was implemented in Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram and Kasargod districts. Among the beneficiaries, 60 people belonged to the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe category. THE TARGET * Improve literacy in coastal areas * Strengthen Class IV, VII Equivalency programme * Ensure continued education in coastal areas * Improve living standards of the fisherfolk * Boost women empowerment, protection of fish wealth * Campaign against use of intoxicants, drugs * Improve health and hygiene of coastal population