Transform the lives of 3200 children in Hyderabad

One day in class, I was deeply moved when I saw a student who never spoke in the class leading a group discussion and facilitating peer-to-peer learning sessions. I vividly remember the day when I was sitting in the class with many students. It brought tears into my eyes when a student came to me and said, “ Bhaiyya, we are fortunate to have TFI teachers. I never spoke this much to any teacher as I speak to you; you provide us safe space and make us feel comfortable."
By January, it was time to evaluate and figure out different suitable career options for my students as they will transition from grade 10 this year. Initially, when I started a conversation about their plans, many students were unsure about the course they should enroll in for their intermediate study. So I started one-on-one discussions with my students and brought a few experts from different areas of expertise to help my students understand different career options. In a community where girls’ education is given less priority, I feel proud of one of my students, Farah, who has been shortlisted for UWC college, and the outcome is awaited. She will set an example and inspire other girls in the community in days to come. Due to the third wave, we had to transition to virtual classes in Hyderabad. However, the transition was smooth as we ensured 100 percent access to online classes by giving them devices and supporting them with recharges.
After teaching for over a year, I saw growth of at least 0.5 to 1 in reading comprehension levels and average growth of 14% in most of my students. One of the key highlights in the last few months is the student-led project in my school. My students started a project called CORE, where they began a dialogue around problems in their community. It inspired me how these students want to do something for their community. They facilitated a recent discussion around Hijab which showed me how my students evolved into leaders who are vocal and respect each other’s opinions. Leadership comes in all sizes.

Towards the end of my Fellowship, much learning came from my Be The Change Project, which I did to help foster student leadership in the community. I can also see visible shifts in the mindset and values of my students where they are willing to support each other and their community to the best of their capacities. I learned project management and planning skills, which will be very pertinent in my career.

Teach For India has been a life-changing experience for me. I have not only gained skills but also evolved as a leader. When I entered the Fellowship, I knew that there was a problem. However, now I understand the complexity of the problem and how deeply rooted education inequity is. During my Fellowship, I taught in three different schools. I worked closely with various stakeholders in the community. I initially thought that it would take years to eradicate inequity in education. However, now after being a part of the movement, I feel the day is very close when all students will attain an excellent education. I am thankful to Teach For India to allow every leader in the country to come together and work for a cause. Now I feel more prepared to take up the specific role in capacity building of teachers across schools and amplify my impact. I believe we can master any skill in the world but Teach For India helped me develop a mindset where I feel compassionate to help and inspire others which were only possible with the Fellowship experience.

Vikram Ramkisan Newra
Grade 10
Cohort 2020
Golden Jubilee English High School, Tadbun, Hyderabad