Tuesday 4 November 2014

The Hidden Faces of Metro City



Ohh, Bangalore!, the IT hub!
I was so excited to move to Bangalore for my further studies a few years ago. The infrastructure, culture, modern amenities in the educational institutions pulled me to this amazing city. I always wondered, the huge developmental steps taken by the government and system followed by each individual in the city. During my studies, as a part of exposure visits, we were taken to few Govt. Schools and slums in the city. The situations in the communities were so pathetic to believe in the middle of this ‘Metro City’. I have asked this question to many people, as being one of the most advanced, systematic and ever growing cities in India, how does Karnataka has huge number of dropouts, illiterates and unemployed youths? When the students from other parts of the state and country choose Bangalore as the best location to learn and settle down, the localities finds it difficult to adjust with the living conditions and proper utilization of resources in their own state. 

The history of our country has been checked, from pre-colonial times to the present but always available to only a privileged few. The post independence period herald promises by the government and silence on critical areas in the provision of education for its citizens. Eminent educationists, various committees and commissions have lent their might and shaped elementary education system in India resulting in the passage of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009 (RTE Act).
Most of the commission reports the recommendations such as the nature and quality of teacher training needs to be reviewed and enhanced significantly. Teachers need to be appropriately and adequately trained as teachers play as significant role in ensuring learning outcomes for the children. Teachers need to be trained and equipped with necessary skills and competency to address the varying needs of students in their class. Teachers needs to be inspiring and motivating and they should have the competency to devise appropriate methods for teaching children by helping the latter to create knowledge by combining information and their experiences outside classroom.
When many parents are afraid to send their children to school due to exploitation of students physically and mentally, the parents in Anagalpura village feels so happy to send their children to ‘ Banyan Community School. The Banyan Community School is run by Lovedale Foundation, focuses on promoting quality education and reserves its admission to only those people living Below Poverty Line as measured in India, children with special needs, children from slums and orphans.
In order to create model quality education programme for the children, the Foundation has initiated a Model English Medium High School called Banyan Community School. Catering nearly 350 children. The school has developed a model infrastructure of 100% Eco friendly architecture, with grey and rain water harvesting, creative and artistic class rooms, children library, music rooms, computer lab, craft workshop, hygienic kitchen and dining room, providing most balanced nutritious midday meal, nutrient drinks, high cleanliness, neat and tidy dress code, physical practices, science lab, play ground, daily travel facilities etc.
 Honourable prime minister says on teacher’s day, “Serving the nation does not only mean doing grand things; doing small things is a big service to the nation.” We invite volunteers from all walks of life:  students, teachers, psychologists and anyone who would like to help us make a difference in the lives of our Banyan School students and their community.  If you would like to volunteer with us, please send an email to info@lovedalefoundation.org 


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