Help 28,000 Indian Children Get Quality Education

I’m Aishwarya Krishnan, a curious Sociologist. I’m from Kerala, brought up in Tamilnadu. I have completed my Masters in Sociology. I have also cleared NET and GATE (AIR 63) in Sociology. 

In alignment to pursuing my areas of interest I have worked and volunteered with various organisations aiming towards bridging inequality. Few among them are Team Everest, Auxohub, Dhan Education Foundation etc. 

I’m currently teaching a Grade Seven class with 36 students, each with diverse academic abilities. Inspired by "The Lion King," I developed a culture plan called "Hakuna Matata," emphasizing the values of Courage, Collaboration, Resilience, and Excellence. I prioritize learning through inquiry and understanding rather than rote memorization, utilizing visual aids and technology to spark interest.

The first day in my classroom was a blend of emotions. I had experienced a mix of nervousness and excitement. The entire atmosphere was new and welcoming. The students were mostly friendly, whereas a few missed their previous teachers. But within a week’s time, the students found me approachable and accepted me for who I am. I realised the value of ‘being accepted’ because of them. The classroom and the students are the places I feel I belong to. 

One of my proudest moments in the fellowship journey was during the graduation ceremony of Cohort 2022 when my students performed a dance illustrating the impact of a Teach For India Fellow in their classroom and lives. Their performance was mesmerizing, captivating the entire audience and leaving them spellbound. Watching my students confidently showcase their talents and express the profound changes they've experienced was incredibly rewarding. It was a testament to their hard work, resilience, and growth throughout the year. This moment encapsulated the essence of our journey together and reinforced the transformative power of education. Seeing the pride and joy on their faces made me feel immensely fulfilled and grateful for the opportunity to be their teacher.

Links:

• https://www.teachforindia.org/

Education is the fundamental right of every child, crucial for their overall growth and development, and instrumental in the country's progress. Teach For India's work in this regard is both necessary and commendable.

The Students at Old Fort School come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, with many residing in hostels or with relatives. Their stories reveal remarkable resilience, inspiring me. Reading competency levels in my class vary, and to boost confidence, I introduced daily Reading Fluency sentences, resulting in significant progress over several months.

Establishing classroom culture was initially challenging, but my Students gradually adapted and mostly adhere to norms, though their behavior towards each other still needs improvement. Communication in English, a rule set from the beginning, is showing progress, though there's room for faster development.

Despite challenging backgrounds, the Students' determination is evident. My community visit made me even more determined to help the Students. I regularly communicate with the parents to help address progress and attendance issues, particularly with some Students taking extended leave.

The upcoming board exam for grade five Students presents a significant challenge, requiring focused writing practice. I'm incorporating independent writing using worksheets and model papers to hone their writing skills and enable them to score well in the exam. The mid-year assessment had mixed results, with irregular attendance affecting some Students' progress. This also helped me revisit my plans for them and adapt my lesson plans to their current reading levels. The children have suffered huge learning loss due to the pandemic, and they're still struggling to cope and be at grade level. This reality check pushes me to do more for my Students and continue Teach For India's intervention with them.

As a city, we visited Kanavu, an alumni-run NGO in Cuddalore, for our Mid-Year Retreat and stayed with them for three days. I saw firsthand how committed the alumni are to giving back to society. I could see how invested they were in upgrading the lives of the people of the village. It was a very inspiring journey. 

Several systems have motivated me throughout my journey at Teach For India. My Leadership development conversation and classroom observations from my program manager to engaging with other Fellows in my learning circle have contributed to my growth and inspiration. Reflecting on my role with Teach For India, I recognize the ongoing need for emotional connection improvement in the classroom, school, and the community. Despite challenges, the experience has significantly changed my perspective on education and the broader community's needs.

Geeta Jois

Cohort of 2023

Bengaluru