Surpur, the headquarters of the most backward taluk in Karnataka, was the venue of a feedback session for Head teachers and SDMC presidents from April 25, 2005 to May 6, 2005. The feedback pertained to the evaluation of children from 303 Government Primary Schools in the area which were participating in the Child Friendly Initiative, a programme of Azim Premji Foundation in partnership with UNESCO and the Karnataka Government.

Representatives from 30 schools each were called daily and the occasion was also utilized to train them on preparing an action plan to make their schools child friendly.

A baseline survey had been conducted in January / February, 2005 to assess the status of the learning achievements Class 1 to Class 4 children in the 303 schools. Raw data pertaining to each school was analyzed and summarized into concise Individual Reports, which reflected the existing situation in each school under the following heads:

	Enrolment – measured in terms of out-of -school children in the village or habitation.
	Attendance – measured in terms of regular attendance of enrolled children.
	Competency – as reflected in the evaluation carried out by the Foundation

There were explanatory notes in the report to assist the head teachers and SDMC presidents in interpreting/understanding the feedback.

The school development plan aimed at the overall development of schools and the head teachers and SDMC presidents were introduced to the Foundation manual to assist in the implementation of plan. Successful schooling required the support from both - teaching staff and community.

The head teachers and SDMC presidents were recognized as representatives of the teaching staff and community respectively and were familiarized with the purpose and usage of the SDP Manual as a guide for monitoring and accountability. They were repeatedly told of the importance of the role they had to play in the development of their school.

By clarifying the role of the Foundation, as that of a facilitator, and exhorting the participants to be the arbiters of their own change the workshop was able to define the existing relations (between the Foundation and the participants) in terms of partnership (as against dependency). Consequently emphasis was placed on collaboration with identified partners.

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