BK's Community School or the 'Library' as it is locally called has nearly 70 students from Class 1 to Class 5 enrolled in 2008. Resources including coloured pencils, paint, crayons, glue, coloured paper, games etc have provided a stimulating classroom experience. It is wonderful to watch children blossom in a learning environment that fosters creativity. While we work independently from the government schooling system we are tied to the government school timetable. At times this proves to be highly problematic.
India has the highest rate of teacher absenteeism in the world. Khati is no exception. Studies indicate school retention relies on several factors: one being on the provision that educators play an intrinsic role in the learning process. As a result of chronic teacher absenteeism student retention at the government school is dropping, though we have noted that children choose to come to the 'library' even if not attending school on a particular day. BK's school is currently experiencing full attendance even when girl children are needed for home/field chores. We have found that finishing school at 1pm gives children ample time to undertake the necessary daily tasks required of them.
Then comes the question of the quality of education - not much teaching happens on a sunny day at school! Why work when you can drink tea all day (or better still simply stay at home)and get paid? Of course the local chai(tea)stall is always more appealing than the classroom. I could of course write reams on the failings of the Indian education system but many have undertaken this task before - and all with similiar woes....
Due to the problems associated with the education system it has been decided that BK's will run independently from September. This has been a decision initiated and backed by the Khati Panchayat(Council) who have been grappling with the issue of maintaining educators at the government school.
As a vital part of the potable water project, hygiene education has formed part of the teaching year. As the UNICEF website states "Schools can also be a key factor in initiating change by helping to develop useful life skills on health and hygiene. Children are often eager to learn and willing to absorb new ideas...."
In 2008 PEAK in conjuction with the World Nomads Footprints program has enabled the provision of sanitation, hand washing and clean water supply to the children of Khati. In the class room we have been able to provide guidance on the development of skills and knowledge on hygiene education issues in a joyful and activity based framework.
Through a participatory approach we have been able to develop co-operative learning outcomes via role play song and dance, hands on activities, art and open constructive dialogue on the merits of hygiene in everyday life. This in turn appears (in the initial stages) to be filtering to not only other siblings outside of the education system but we envisage in the long run will impact within the home/village environment.
The stainless steel cups for drinking water and a bar of soap for hand washing has proven to be highly sought after items. When school is not in the children still love coming to wash their hands and have a drink from the newly installed tanks - not to mention it gives them the opportunity to play with the taps?!
Bonnie (PEAK) April/May 2008
