Education

For class I & II, we work on improving levels of Hindi and Mathematics. For Class III to V, we undertake assessment of learning levels of students and based on results, groups of students are formed and remedial teaching is done. Remedial teaching package is delivered in 20-25 weeks to bring the students up to the level of basic reading writing and arithmetic (three R’s). After the student is competent with three R’s, s/he is more interested in class and copes up with the teaching in class. The learning efficiency is maintained by use of pre-designed learning packages, individual tracking of progress, and monthly tests.

To bridge the trust between school, community, and parents, School Management Committees are formed to ensure participation of all stakeholders and improving the learning environment for children in school and at home. Teachers, Community Members, Village heads and parents are part of this committee (attendance to meetings is open to all) and Ibtada supports through training and exposure to enable them to manage the affairs of school and improve management. Monthly meetings are conducted for discussing school matters, student progress and ensuring attendance of children in school.

As part of strengthening the quality of education, financial support is provided to improve school infrastructure in Govt. schools. Ibtada provides a monetary support of Rs 40000 to the SMC with a condition to raise another Rs 10000 contribution from the community. The money is utilised for work on renovation of toilets, white wash, BALA (Buildings As Learning Aids), minor repairing of school building and improving drinking water facility etc.

Ibtada runs an upper primary school (class 6th to 8th) in Gwalda (Tijara) with 138 girls. The school has enrolled 387 girls have since Feb 2012.

To inculcate reading habit and enhance reading & comprehension, a library is set up in every school where we work. Books and bookshelves have been provided in these schools and each class has weekly library hours for reading in school and students can also borrow books to read at home. Books are categorised and arranged as per age and learning competencies. Additionally, activities like reading stories from books, writing the self-read story, making pictures based on a story, telling stories to each other after reading from library books and telling stories in the morning assembly are also undertaken to emphasize the importance of reading.

A committee of students is created that helps with school management and activities of the school. The Bal Sansad runs like any Parliament where members are elected by vote (of the students, by the students, for the students) who are in office for a term after which new candidates are chosen. This helps the children get involved in school management, develop leadership skills, work in teams, and increase their sense of responsibility.

To support girls in continuing their education beyond 5th class and reduce their chances of dropping out, tuition facility is provided in English and Mathematics subjects to girls of class 6 -8 in 9 villages of Umrain and Ramgarh block. Mother Meetings are also conducted to share the improvements in learning level as well as garner support from the family in continuing the girls’ education.

1. Start providing inputs for English teaching in schools for class 1 to 5 in all 100 Govt. schools we work with.

2. Increasing the ownership of best practices (learning outcome, library, SMC and bal sansad) among government school teachers and school management by reducing motivator support (from 3 days to once a week) from 22 of the better performing schools.

3. Six Sr. Secondary schools will be developed as Resource Schools (work with primary section only)