Sanjay Kumar, PhD’s Post

Shiksha Sambal- Bridging Gaps In Rural School Education. This story starts in a village in Rajasthan, India, where a girl named Geeta dreams of becoming a doctor or engineer. Like many rural villages, the schools there lacked qualified teachers, especially for subjects like science and math. This meant many students, not just Geeta, had to give up on their dreams of pursuing certain subjects in higher education. Just when hope seemed lost, a nearby business stepped in to help. They launched a program called "Shiksha Sambal," which means "Education Support" in Hindi. This program brought qualified teachers from outside the village to teach science, math, and English to students like Geeta. The government builds schools, but companies like the one that helped Geeta's village can play a big role in making sure those schools have everything they need to succeed. Together, the government and businesses can create a strong support system for students in rural communities. Shiksha Sambal doesn't just bring in teachers – it also provides other resources like summer camps, workshops, and even new classrooms and libraries. The results speak for themselves. Schools that participated in Shiksha Sambal saw a huge jump in their pass rates. In one school, the pass rate went from just 11% to a whopping 91%! This means that more students than ever before are graduating and getting ready to chase their dreams. This program shows how businesses and communities can work together to make a real difference in the lives of young people. #Community #Schools #Rural

We are committed to revolutionizing education by equipping teachers with the tools and knowledge they need to inspire the next generation of innovators. Recently, we had the privilege of conducting a comprehensive teacher training program at UHS, Jamla, located in Motihari Purba Champaran, Bihar. This initiative was made possible through the generous support of General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re), highlighting their dedication to enhancing educational outcomes in our communities. . The training program focused on the integration of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) principles into the curriculum. We provided educators with hands-on experience and practical strategies to incorporate STEM concepts into their teaching methods. This approach not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares students for future challenges in a rapidly evolving world. . GIC Re's support has been instrumental in making this program a success. Their CSR initiative underscores a strong commitment to advancing educational practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By investing in teacher training, GIC Re is contributing to the creation of a robust educational framework that will benefit students for years to come. . Our training sessions were designed to empower teachers with innovative tools and techniques that can be seamlessly integrated into their classrooms. This includes the use of interactive models, technology-driven solutions, and engaging teaching methods that stimulate curiosity and critical thinking among students. By enhancing the skills of educators, we aim to create a ripple effect that positively impacts students' academic journeys. . https://lnkd.in/dK4KcmJb . . . #stemeducation #teachertraining #educationreform #innovationineducation #csrinitiatives #stemlearning #educationdevelopment #empoweringteachers #educationalimpact #communitydevelopment #bihareducation #gicre #handsonlearning #futureofeducation #teachingexcellence #csrindia #csreducationprograms #corporatesocialresponsibility #socialresponsibility #corporateresponsibility #csrinitiatives #csractivities #stemlearning

Advancing Educational Excellence of a teacher training program at Sarvoday+2 High School in Jahingra, Sirsia, Bihar. This initiative, supported by the General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re), is a part of their commitment to enhancing education through impactful CSR initiatives. . The training program was centered on the principles of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, which plays a vital role in preparing students for the demands of the future. By focusing on these key areas, we aim to equip teachers with innovative strategies to engage students in hands-on learning experiences that inspire critical thinking and creativity. . During the session, we had the privilege of working with two dedicated teachers who were eager to enhance their teaching methodologies. Through interactive workshops and collaborative discussions, we explored effective ways to integrate STEM concepts into their lessons, making learning more relevant and exciting for their students. . Investing in teacher training is essential for driving educational improvement. When educators are empowered with the latest knowledge and skills, they can create more dynamic classrooms that foster student curiosity and achievement. This program is a vital step towards building a strong foundation for the next generation of learners. . https://lnkd.in/dK4KcmJb . . . #teachertraining #stemeducation #educationforall #corporatesocialresponsibility #innovationineducation #edtech #professionaldevelopment #bihareducation #empoweringeducators #learningthroughexperience #sirsa #bihar #csrindia #csreducationprograms #corporatesocialresponsibility #socialresponsibility #corporateresponsibility #csrinitiatives #csractivities #stemlearning

B.Ed Students Lead Rural Education Survey Across Jharkhand https://lnkd.in/gKjTQHhp Students evaluate literacy skills of children aged 3-16 years in six regions Key Points: B.Ed students survey 20 households to assess rural children’s education ASER survey covers arithmetic and English skills evaluation Final report to provide insights into rural education gaps by 2025 JAMSHEDPUR – B.Ed students conduct comprehensive door-to-door ASER survey to evaluate rural children’s educational levels. ASER trainers provided specialized guidance to students. Amrit Pradhan led the training sessions. Meanwhile, Lalit Nayak also trained the participants. The survey focuses on children aged 3-16 years. Moreover, it evaluates both literacy and numeracy skills. Students visited households in Dhalbhumgarh region. In addition, they covered Ghatshila and Musabani areas. Furthermore, the survey extended to Gudabandha village. The team also reached Dumariya and Chakulia regions. “This data will transform rural education policies,” remarked an education expert. Principal Dr. Balkrishna Behera oversees the project. Meanwhile, Dr. Jitendra Kumar serves as Nodal Officer. The findings enhance research capabilities of B.Ed students. Furthermore, ASER conducted similar surveys in 2023. The previous survey covered 15 districts statewide. However, this year’s scope has expanded significantly. Students received certificates for their contribution. “Rural education assessment needs regular monitoring,” states a senior educator. The Delhi presentation will showcase comprehensive findings. ASER’s national report influences education policies annually. The post B.Ed Students Lead Rural Education Survey Across Jharkhand appeared first on Town Post. https://lnkd.in/gjFWZxdu

#MERITOCRACY #A_MYTH... Manpur, a village in the vicinity of Gaya town in Bihar, which is inhabited by small time weavers who run sort of cottage industries, witnesses its kids, both boys and girls, crack the JEE in substantial number year after year since the one son of the soil who was the first to crack the JEE set up kind of library with study materials where the aspirants huddle together and persevere. It's another Kota minus all its paraphernalia and attendant glamour. Then there is a school, Shoshit Saadhan Kendra, in Patna where fully subsidised residential facility is available for the mostly first generation learners belonging to Mushar community comprising of the most disadvantaged lot among the Dalits, who have excelled in performing the toughest of the Shakespearean plays with great felicity and have been awarded scholarships by prestigious foreign universities, they have proved their mettle in areas henceforth untrodden by anyone in their family. This initiative has come from a retired IPS officer, J K Sinha who is no more but the legacy continues. Then there are two variants of Super 30 by the renowned Anand Kumar as well as the top cop Abhayanand who nurture kids from socially and economically disadvantaged sections of society who seamlessly crack the JEE in substantial numbers year after year despite coming from the marginalised families. These initiatives have come from two individuals coming from diverse backgrounds. These three examples are from Bihar. Then there is JNV, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya having pan-India presence in every district, where also mostly first generation learners are given fully subsidised residential facility by the government. The alumni of these schools are spread not only across the length and breadth of the country but also dot the global landscape hoisting their academic brilliance in technical, professional and other services. This is a government initiative. The four examples cited above prove beyond even an iota of doubt that nature and nurture, the two columns which shape the kids and their future, are the areas where dedication and commitment can bring transformational changes. And thus the myth of merit and MERITOCRACY as peddled by the vested and entrenched interest groups from time immemorial implodes in a twinkle of eyes. No doubt that any selection process whether for admission into higher educational institutions or for jobs need to have a benchmark to weed out the overwhelming lot of aspirants. Currently this process is highly skewed in favour of those who can afford. The differentiator is the level playing field or equal opportunity to one and all without any hindrance/hurdle to their availability, accessibility and affordability. Does it exist?? NOPE. Is there any possibility of it happening in near future? NOPE. This is an area where all stakeholders need to put their head together and come out with appropriate roadmap and policy framework. Let's chase the chimera...

Education is the cornerstone of a prosperous society, and investing in our teachers is crucial to fostering a bright future. Recently, I had the honor of facilitating a fresh teacher training program at UHS, Harpurnag, in East Champaran, Bihar. This initiative, supported by the General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re), highlights the vital role that organizations can play in enhancing educational standards through effective teacher training. . Throughout this program, we engaged with three passionate educators who are committed to creating dynamic and engaging learning experiences for their students. Our sessions emphasized innovative teaching methods, practical classroom strategies, and the integration of STEM principles into everyday lessons, empowering teachers to inspire their students beyond traditional learning. . A significant focus of our training was to equip these educators with practical skills and resources they can implement immediately in their classrooms. By enhancing their teaching toolkit, we aim to cultivate an environment where students can thrive, develop critical thinking abilities, and embrace a lifelong love for learning. . I extend my heartfelt gratitude to GIC Re for their unwavering support of this CSR initiative. Their dedication to educational improvement reflects a shared vision of empowering future generations and ensuring that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their circumstances. . https://lnkd.in/dK4KcmJb . . . #teachertraining #stemeducation #educationforall #corporatesocialresponsibility #gicre #innovativeteaching #futureleaders #handsonlearning #edtech #empowereducators #bihareducation #socialimpact #teachingexcellence #professionaldevelopment #educationinitiative #eastchamparan #bihar #csrindia #csreducationprograms #corporatesocialresponsibility #socialresponsibility #corporateresponsibility #csrinitiatives #csractivities #stemlearning

The Ekal Vidyalaya Movement: One Teacher, One Village In the remote tribal and rural regions of India, where access to formal schooling is nearly impossible, the Ekal Vidyalaya Movement has quietly revolutionized education. Founded in 1986, this initiative focuses on providing basic education to children in underserved areas with just one teacher per school. The movement began in the Dhanbad district of Jharkhand, where a group of passionate educators realized that building large schools in remote areas was impractical. Instead, they proposed a simple yet effective model: a one-teacher school, or Ekal Vidyalaya, which could operate in any available space, such as a hut, temple, or under a tree. Each Ekal school teaches up to 30 children at a time, covering basic literacy, numeracy, and life skills. The curriculum also includes health awareness, sanitation practices, and vocational training, ensuring that students not only gain an education but also practical knowledge to improve their lives. What sets Ekal apart is its scale and reach. Today, the movement operates over 100,000 schools across India, serving more than 2.8 million children. Despite its simplicity, the model is highly efficient, costing just ₹20,000 annually to run each school. Beyond education, Ekal empowers local communities by recruiting and training teachers from the same villages, fostering a sense of ownership and cultural preservation. The movement has also inspired other social initiatives, such as digital literacy programs and agricultural training for adults. The Ekal Vidyalaya Movement is a powerful reminder that transformative change doesn’t always require massive infrastructure or complex systems. Sometimes, all it takes is a single teacher with a mission to light the lamp of knowledge, one village at a time.

//Quality education has always been a long-pending dream of Bihar, where 50 percent of the population is exposed to challenges like migration. The students from here not only move to bigger cities like Delhi, Mumbai and others for higher education but the lack of career opportunities in their hometowns also acts as a roadblock in their career path. Now addressing these major challenges with the vision of providing world-class research-based education, training and entrepreneurial skills to these students, Gopal Narayan Singh University (GNSU) in Sasaram, is now fast-changing the education landscape in Bihar.// Govind Narayan Singh https://lnkd.in/dZdt-rpU

"Every child is a born scientist." This statement inspired me to develop a different perspective to look towards my students in Rajasthan state. During my stay in the village whenever I went to the field with my students, I could see a very sharp difference between these students in their school environment, and in their home/outer environment. It felt as if they lived two binary lives between school and home. In school, you could hardly see these students smile wider, move freely or talk their heart out. Whereas you will notice the different beings in them altogether in the outdoor space - Carefree, careless, moving freely, experiencing their agency to listen to their heart, do what they feel is the best! Ideally, the schools are supposed to be providing a conducive environment for effective learning and development in a fear-free environment. But unfortunately, none was true in case of these students for optimixing their learning scope and motivation. Their truest potential remain trapped and untapped! This should make us question the structures of schooling system. How can we assure students an agency to be their own selves in the school world, so that they do not have to fiddle between binary identities in their school and outdoor environments? As a school goer, I always experienced a disconnect between my school reality and the outdoor world. I always viewed it as two separate planes which are not meant to share any connections between them. What do you think are the ways we can bring transformational change in the nature of these educational structures? What are you already doing about it? Would love to hear your thoughts! #education #qualityeducation #schools