MAYA's initial efforts to address child labour located the primary reason for school dropout and child labour in poor quality education. Consequently, the emphasis of its efforts were towards addressing universalisation of education by preparing children through non-formal education (NFE) and enrolling them back to Government school; addressing local issues related to individual schools. Soon however, this strategy of re-enrolling dropout children to school was found to be insufficient. The lack of accountability and transparency within the system and the complete absence of any form of decision-making by the local community ensured that very little consistent attention was being paid to ensure that children remain in school and engage in any relevant form of learning.

Subsequent school-related experiences led MAYA to an understanding where it began to see that problems faced by schools and the education system are not specific to certain geographical areas but instead manifest as typical patterns across communities and the education system. Consequently, for a long-term and sustained impact, interventions to address the issue of quality education need to go beyond the local and specific manifestation; towards addressing the structural dimensions causing these patterns.

Education, it is perceived, can be qualitative only if it is based on a community-owned vision. Quality here in the context of community ownership connotes a continuous improvement process, building on the dynamic experiences of children and communities; rather than a mere transplantation of preset standards. It is with this understanding and approach that Prajayatna - MAYA's education reform initiative - focusses on facilitating community ownership of a collective vision of education.

Prajayatna is presently active in Karnataka in the districts of Bijapur, Bellary, Chitradurga, Mysore, Bangalore Rural & Urban. Additionally, work has recently been initiated in the northern district of Gulbarga.

Several groups and organisations (within and outside the country) have expressed a keen interest to understand the Prajayatna initiative in terms of its approach and impact so far, to facilitate processes based on a similar approach, in their areas of work.

This process is presently being supported by Prajayatna through visits, discussions, interactions with communities,etc.