In the middle of September, the time had come that we started a new attempt with our inclusion school. After the kick-off in March, we had to interrupt again after four weeks due to Corona. We are now hoping for a smoother process.
However, we face major challenges. School operations are still restricted, and we are in the middle of the school year which lasts from April to end of March. Therefore, it is not easy to get children transferred from other public or private schools. Many children are currently not going to school because they have been used to staying at home since March 2020. Many parents are concerned that another wave of Covid is coming and are therefore waiting. In the countryside, many people do not really care whether their children go to school or not. And schools or government agencies usually do not care either. This is one of the reasons why a lot of persuasion has to be done with the parents. Parents and children are not used to the fact that regular school attendance is also an obligation. Regular exams, conscientious and structured lessons, attendance checks, discussions between teachers and parents are not given in many rural schools.
We currently have 45 children registered and will gradually integrate these children into the high-quality teaching classes. But there are big gaps in children’s knowledge. Often, children from the higher grades of the public schools with low requirements do not know the material of a third or fourth grade. We also teach in Hindi and English and offer the opportunity to gain initial experience with a computer. And we combine teaching with playing to educate children with fun and ease. In addition, many parents do not send the girls to school out of conviction, but rather so that they can work in peace and the children get a meal.
Our Keshwa Gurukul regular school with full instruction is currently attended by seven children. We have hired four teachers for English, Hindi, Math and Science. The other children are in afternoon care because they attend other schools in the mornings. They are to be gradually transferred to the Keshwa Gurukul school operations in the new school year.
We are convinced and optimistic that our approach will be successful in the long run. We also have the support of the local authority. But it will take many months, maybe even 2-3 years, for the school operations to settle down with enough children in all five classes and a reasonable balance of their knowledge. But we know that it is worth investing this time. GIVE CHILDREN A FUTURE.
We will be able only with your great support to walk this path in the long term. Thanks a lot for this.
The first tests in the Keshwa Gurukul School. We teach Hindi and English. Here is a test in ‘Science’ in 3rd grade Primary. Who would have known everything?
For a full side view, please click on the pages.
