Strengthening SDMCs: A Rajsamand Example

A news article by Hindustan Times (appeared on 20 March 2009) on SDMC initiative by Pratham Rajasthan as part of Save the Children collaboration in Amet block of Rajsamand district of Rajasthan.

NCLP Schools: A Success Story

After visit of Principal Secretary, Dept of Labour & Employment, Hindustan Times took the initiative to present the two NCLP special schools (managed by Pratham Rajasthan) as a successful attempt for benefiting the child labourers. The coverage by HT appeared on two consecutive days, briefing about Pratham’s experience in managing the schools.

Strengthening Aadhar-3: Bringing the Change!

Labour Secretary visited NCLP schools and Aadhar Campaign under Read Rajasthan in Jaipur

Strengthening Aadhar-2: Field Visit by Sh. C P Joshi

“wapas chalte hain!” I said, after 120 minutes long wait in front of the room of Sh. C P Joshi, State Head, Congress and former Education Minister of Rajasthan. “aab aaye hain to milke hi challenge” Vijay said and we started waiting again. After 15 minutes we were allowed to go inside. As we introduced ourselves and Pratham, he immediately said, “are aap log kahan the itne dinon se”. We shared ASER 08 findings and current campaign details. He asked us to suggest a plan which state government can implement. He also added that Pratham is doing wonderful work. But we insisted that sitting in a room and saying Pratham is doing great is very different from experiencing it by visiting one or two classes.

He agreed for a 2 hour slot on 18^th February.  

While moving towards Shivdaspura, a village around 20 Kms away from Jaipur, he started conversation by saying, “aap kahte to aaj Education Minister ko bhi bula lete” and suggested us to meet him as soon as possible. He also suggested these three things:

1.  Arrange a 30 minute discussion with Hon. CM, Principal Secretary, Hon. EM and Education Secretary and propose a plan.

2.  Demonstrate activities in front of Sh. Rahul Gandhi when he will be coming Jaipur during last week of February.

3.  Invite Hon. Education Minister for a similar field visit.

When we reached school, 2 volunteers were running classes with children.

Both ladies, Smt. Anita Verma and Smt. Sumanlata Verma, were running classes in school from past one month. Sh. Joshi observed the class with lot of interest and we acquainted him with our teaching methodology and TLM.

During the interaction Sh. Joshi asked how these volunteers are working without any monetary compensation. He was very curious to know the motive of volunteers behind such an excellent work. So he interacted with both volunteers and with one volunteer’s husband. He asked interesting questions like, “ghar mein saso ji mana nahi karti kya, ki khana banana ke time school mein padhane chale jate ho?” and “aap dono ko yahan padhane se koi paisa nahi milega, to phir kyoon padhate ho?”

Both volunteers said that they want to gain experience of teaching and of course, it is a great contribution from our family to the entire village.

Due to shortage of time, he was not able to visit more villages. While returning back to Jaipur, we briefed about all Pratham programs and future plans and he assured his support, whenever required.

Dedication Reloaded (Volunteers' Experiences from Dungarpur)

Strengthening Aadhar-1

“Wo roz 12 baje aata hai”, teacher said when I asked about the volunteer which Kishan (block coordinator) has mobilized. As soon as I finished saying, "he is not here today, as it is already 2 minutes past 12" and turned back, I saw a young boy standing behind me. “Ravi” he replied when I asked his name and added he will start his class now. 

After a brief discussion of 10 minutes with school teacher, we entered in classroom. There were around 20 children in the classroom. He started first activity after all the children were comfortably sitting in circular formation. With utmost sincerity, he started calling children one-by-one at the center of circle and then each child searched for the card of a particular letter. And children just loved this activity which is clear from their very cheerful and bright faces.

When I asked about his education qualification, he told me that he was not able to complete 10th due to intense fever during the examinations. I thought, “Do teachers have any problem about a student like Ravi coming and doing joyful learning activities with children?” But even before asking teacher said while entering in the room, “Ravi bahut ache se activities karwata hai aur ye akshar cards to bahut hi ache hain, 1-2nd ke bachhon ke liye to aise hi cards chayeye”. We stayed there for 10 more minutes.

‘Let’s go and visit Ravi’s home and meet his parents’, I think everyone had the same feeling that time because we just started walking towards village. “dekhiye, Pratham ka sticker” Sunil, district coordinator, said with lot of excitement.

It was pasted on the wall of Ravi’s home. We met his father and he asked, “Ravi school mein kaisa padha raha hai, teacher us se kush hai na?” and we all said, “of course, bahut achha padha raha hai”. He told us that Ravi was very sick during examinations because of pressure of 10th exams. But now after starting this class, he is again thinking of his education.

We also met father of another volunteer who was not able to go school due to illness. His father was feeling sorry for that and promised that as soon as he will recover, will join Ravi. 

While moving to another village I was thinking, “aur log kahte hain ki aaj kal koi bina paise ke kaam nahi karta”

Village Name: Bawdi

Block : Phagi

District: Jaipur