Learning with kids

Last week, I attended a

classroom session of Community class as well as the Balgarh class in LaxmiBhatta, one of the slum areas of Jaipur. It was an early start to my

day, I had gone to the class

along wi

th the Promoter and Coordinator Ritu . It was

an hour’s drive from the main city. Classes run in the house of the teacher , Jeenat is a young married girl. There are no governm

ent schools in that area. Only a few private schools are running and parents because of their low economic background are not able to afford the education of their childr

en. It's been a year since our classes are running there. N

IOS class time is from 10-12 in the morning and 12-1 Balgarh class is being

conducted. A continuous effort is being made to search for a new teacher for pre-school cl

ass, but no success has been achieved yet. In NIOS class, a

total 21 children have enrolled with just one boy and rest of the girls. Jeenat helps the children in reading, writing and learning

in Hindi and Maths.

I had an opportunity to interact with a girl, Afsana, 13 years old and getting married in three months. Our teacher and promoter tried to convince her parents but they were adamant on

their decision.

Balgarh session was a fun-filled. Tiny tots of 3- 6 years attend these classes. Some of them are very enthusiastic learners. Whatever t

hey are taught, they gras

p it quickly. The methodology used by the Pratham team is very riveting. Kids enjoy learning through games, interactive sessions and interesting activities. A continuous training session is also given to the teachers.

My exp

erience of visiting the class

has been very enticing. I really believe that if every child gets the struc

tured and fun way of

education like Pratham delivers, no child would wish to skip the class.