Community Mobiliser and Educator

Transforming India into a Nation of Readers: The Billion Readers (BIRD) Initiative

In a country of over a billion people, the definition of literacy often hides a complex reality. While official figures suggest India has one billion literates, the functional truth is more sobering: roughly 600 million of these individuals are "weak readers" who struggle to navigate simple texts. This literacy gap disproportionately affects women and girls, for whom the ability to read is not just a skill, but a fundamental pillar of dignity.

The Billion Readers (BIRD) Initiative is stepping up to bridge this gap with a remarkably simple yet powerful tool: Same Language Subtitling (SLS).

The Power of SLS: Reading While Watching

Conceived at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) and currently affiliated with IIT Delhi, SLS turns everyday entertainment into a literacy engine. By adding word-for-word subtitling to TV and streaming content in all Indian languages, viewers subconsciously practice reading while they hear the audio.

This method provides:

• Constant Practice: Viewers read what they hear, reinforcing word recognition in real-time.

• Accessibility: It leverages existing entertainment habits rather than requiring new, formal classroom settings.

• Empowerment: It addresses the assault on dignity caused by illiteracy, especially for those marginalized by caste, class, or geography.

Join the Mission: Career Opportunity in Delhi

To scale this impact across India, BIRD (under the PlanetRead banner) is looking for dedicated individuals to join their mission in Delhi. They are currently hiring for the role of Community Mobiliser and Educator.

Role Overview

The Community Mobiliser will be the heartbeat of the project on the ground. Key responsibilities include:

• Community Engagement: Building relationships and mobilizing women and children for SLS-based activities.

• Research Support: Assisting with surveys, focus group discussions, and cutting-edge research tools like eye-tracking to study media consumption.

• Centre Operations: Managing the daily functioning of community centers and coordinating logistics for workshops.

Who Should Apply?

• Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Education, or related fields.

• Experience: 1-2 years of experience is ideal, though freshers are encouraged to apply.

• Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, basic digital literacy, and a comfort level working in low-income communities.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about population-scale impact and social change, you can submit your profile to anushree@planetread.org with a CC to careers@planetread.org.

Application Requirements:

1. Subject Line: Application: Community Mobiliser and Educator.

2. Cover Letter: (Max 1 page) detailing your background, a recent challenge you overcame, and why BIRD’s mission excites you.

3. Details: Include two professional references and your current/expected CTC.

For more information on how SLS is changing lives, visit Billion Readers or PlanetRead.

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