In Chandrapur, schools reach doorsteps of students

NAGPUR: Elementary education in rural areas had taken a hit due to poor digital connectivity and even access, and now reopening of physical classrooms only for high school students had potential to further increase the learning gap for the younger ones. However, in Chandrapur, zilla parishad school teachers have taken it upon themselves to ensure that such students do not loose out on their studies.
Chandrapur district education officer Ulhas Narad said, “Our teachers rode off to villages all across and landed up at their students’ homes. There they are taking regular classes, giving them assignments and following up on their next visit.”
Visiting daily is not always possible for every teacher, depending on the distance they travel, hence follow up is done through homework and other practical assignments like craft etc. “Teachers have taken it up as a mission and that’s why this project is so successful. We know many students in rural areas either don’t have a smartphone or financial resources to recharge it even if the connectivity is somewhat okay,” said Narad.
Moreover, teachers are not asking for special privileges once they reach the students’ villages. Classes are being taken inside modest dwellings, courtyard or even on the pavement. “These children need one-to-one interaction with their teachers. Familiar faces are very important, especially for the smaller kids, because they need to learn without getting overawed by a stranger,” said Narad.
Due to phone connectivity issues, TOI could not get in touch with some parents, but Narad claimed they are happy about this project. “Each parent, from every strata of the society, only wants the best for his/her child. And the priority is education. So teachers are welcomed in every village and the respect which they command among every parent is notable,” he said.
In Maharashtra, schools in rural areas can reopen for physical classes if village sarpanch gives permission. The sarpanch has been made head of a special committee at gram panchayat level, which will approve applications for reopening of schools considering the Covid situation.