By Neeharika Tummala | In-The-Field Rep - India
The following is a postcard from Neeharika Tummala, GlobalGiving's In-the-Field Representative in India and Bangladesh, about her recent visit to Health Education Adoption Rehabilitation Development Society (HEARDS).
In India, teaching methods can get a little dry. I usually see kids memorizing and repeating and while that works, teachers at HEARDS are not just about teaching their kids, but leveraging games, activities and innovative methods to teach their students as effectively as possible. The children at HEARDS are rescued child labourers and so come with varied levels of ability and education. So, the teachers have the challenge of dealing with a mixed abilities classroom and teaching multiple subjects so that they are mainstreamed into public schools at grade 8.
I unexpectedly went during a state wide ‘bandh’ or public holiday for protests against state separation, so I could not meet students in class, but I still met teachers from two schools who gave me a complete overview of their curriculum and some of the activities that they use. The cook from one of the schools, has a child who is a HEARDS student and spoke about her experience. In the beginning her child used to work as well, but she is now really happy that her child is getting an education. The teachers also spoke about their advocacy work where they actively survey the community, and speak to factory owners to let go of their child labours if any. They even speak to the parents to educate them about the importance of education and do as much as possible to get the kids to school. They often face pushback, dismissal and even threats, but it doesn’t stop them from going back. They also spoke about the transformation of their children and that when they first come in, they don’t have the awareness of keeping their uniforms and bodies clean, and their role as teachers involves not just education inside classroom but also imparting life skills. This is what I call above-and-beyond service and commitment to children’s education.
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