|
>>Accelerated
learning programme –
A guiding light
(Parihara Bodhane
– Ondu Darideepa!)
 |
 |
| Children enacting
a play on Parihara Bodhane |
Community members
watching the film on Accelerated learning programme in
Kurdi, Manvi Taluk, Raichur District |
It is 8 PM in Advi Bhavi village, about 500 Km from Bangalore
and in fact many miles from the Taluk Headquarters town. In
the open compound of the Lower Primary school, a crowd of about
200 children, 100 parents and some village elders have gathered
together. On the makeshift stage, a mike, loudspeakers and a
TV has been arranged. The 16 minute film “ Parihara Bodhane-
Ondu Darideepa” is about to begin.
The Accelerated Learning programme (in its second year) is
in progress in 1029 schools (and habitations) in 16 blocks
of North East Karnataka, hoping to make a substantial difference
to about 70000 children. Like all developmental programmes,
the complete involvement and support of the stakeholders is
vital - the parents, the School Head Teacher and teachers,
School Development Monitoring Committee members, the key leaders
in the village, the volunteer and most importantly the children
for whom the programme is being run.
The film seems to be a runaway hit! At nearly every single
location of the Accelerated Learning programme centre, an
average of about 400 people come to watch the film. On occasions
- as in Kurumballa village, crowds of over 600 people stand
and jostle while the early birds have got the seats on the
ground!
The current challenge is to get the full involvement of the
parents and other community members, by sending their children
to school. The Education Functionaries of the Department of
Education, Government of Karnataka, the field coordinators
of Azim Premji Foundation and the community leaders are conducting
these road shows to create awareness, kindle interest and
subsequently positive action. Before and after the film, the
Block coordinator, the volunteer and the Head Teacher speak
to the people who have assembled and explain how the Accelerated
learning programme helps the children attain requisite competencies.
This is followed by a question-answer session where the parents
and community members seek clarifications on issues related
to the programme.
In many habitations, the school children enacted a drama
on the benefits of school education also.
At Kurumballa village, one of the parents came forward to
share, how his son who did not like school earlier had now
started taking a keen interest in school and Parihara Bodhane.
In the past weeks, the boy had started reading and writing
and brought home a workbook in which he had written many things.
The father explained how for the first time he was able to
see his son coming back from school and share what had happened
in school. Then the Head Master spoke about the importance
of education and its long term benefits.
We are seeing a transformation where in the children, their
teachers and parents and the community at large are accepting
and appreciating the efforts in the school. It involves a
significant shift in emphasis from problems to achievements,
from participation to inspiration. By identifying and reinforcing
positive and constructive actions, local ownership is encouraged
in activities that contribute to the education of children
and sustainable development.
Top
|
