- the children need basic English literacy - school is their first exposure to the language
- lesson planning and teaching methodologies – these are fundamental areas of modern education in which many teachers have received no training
- Information Technology – whilst the school has computers, IT literacy among teachers is very low
- experiential learning - practise and techniques for learning through play
- sports, arts and crafts practitioners are needed to work with the children to build confidence and enhance life-skills
- making teaching aids - quality educational materials are seldom available
The project
"We should not underestimate how important this volunteer programme is in the eyes of the school and the community of Chitardai and the surrounding area. Thirteen local heads were invited to our leaving ceremony, as were religious leaders who apparently went to every house in the village to tell them what a good job the volunteers were doing. On the last day Devender drove miles on his motorbike to get members of the education committee to sign certificates of appreciation for us. This project has the potential to make a huge difference to this school so it is really important that people and places find further volunteers to take the project forward. " Bob
Chitardai primary school provides education for 160 children from the age of 6 to14 in communities identified as below the poverty line by the Indian government. The school offers equal education opportunities to girls and boys from all castes and socio-economic groups.
The principal, Mr Devinder Singh, and his team of 4 teachers want to increase their own knowledge of best practise teaching techniques in order to improve and enhance the children’s learning experience. The school motto is "Learn by Play" - an inspired and visionary concept for a small rural school working within the local education system.
Resources are limited and unpredictable - there are simple desks and benches in 3 of the classrooms, but many children still have to sit on the floor. There are text books but very few teaching aids and craft materials. However Mr Singh and his team have created a stimulating environment for the children - an educational play area has been built from mud, and the classroom walls have been painted as blackboards so that children can write and draw .
" The main frustration is that they are used to just copying from the board and learning by rote with no worry about whether or not they understand. I'm trying to do tasks to promote understanding but this is a new concept for the teacher as well as the children so they find it a challenge, though I think they're enjoying the different activites I'm trying to incorporate. The teacher, Mukesh, just thinks I'm insane! Devender (the Head) is very keen to try new methods -this means we have to work very hard as he won't give me any free time! Kids are lovely. We're having a great time." Dianne
The children "are in many ways just like other youngsters all over the world – eager to learn, keen to please, a bit stroppy at times, wanting to be proud of themselves, caring for their friends etc etc" Bob.
Context
Rajasthan is renowned as the land of warrior kings and cultural richness, with numerous forts and palaces in breathtaking countryside. This is the heritage and environment which will surround you every day, as you will stay in the palace of the local patron family, while working in the local school.
The juxtaposition of cultural richness and economic poverty typifies this Rajasthani experience - over the last five years, Rajasthan has seen impressive economic growth as well as progress in terms of human development. The Indian economy as a whole has experienced growth rates as high as 9% in 2006-07, and the number of people living below the poverty has gradually been falling. Nevertheless, crushing poverty and malnutrition are harsh realities for millions – particularly for women and children. Many inequities are linked with gender and class status.
Some 20% of children aged 6 to14 are still not in school. Several problems persist: issues of 'social distance' arising out of caste, class and gender differences deny children equal opportunities.
Literacy rates are about 60% overall with the figures for females being substantially lower.
The school is supported by the Shri Jaswant Charitable Trust - established and run by the family who own and manage the Deogarh Mahal. The Trust is keen to enhance the support they offer to the school by assisting with the volunteer programme.
