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On 20th of November 2009, a state consultation meeting was organized by Plan India with the stake holders like SCERT, NCERT, All India Primary Teachers’ Federation, Education Ministry, SSA, NGOs, NCPCR, State commission etc to meet and strategize implementation of guidelines for reporting mechanisms recently issued by the Directorate of Education to stop violence in schools
The state consultation meeting was a huge success and helped chart out recommendations for each stakeholder group, which, if implemented could help go a long way to create an environment which is conducive for fearless learning for children.
The consultation was attended by representatives from DCPCR, MCD, SSA, AIPTF, and Civil society organizations like Chetna, Shiksha, Save the Children etc.
The key take away from the consultation was:
• Training of teachers at all levels
• Inclusion of rights of children issue in curriculum for teacher training
• Children’s participation should be increased in all aspects
• Strengthening of Parents teacher Association through improved availability of platforms
• To assess the root cause of the issue (violence in schools) and try to manage the bottlenecks
• Focus on development of friendly environment in and around school premises
• Positive Information, Education and communication campaign including posters/messages in schools
• Alternatives to punishment need to be drafted out and made part of the Teacher training programs
A key aspect which was drawn during the consultation was a strong reporting mechanism which would help students voice their opinions and complaints to the right authorities. Some of the key suggestions to improve these reporting mechanisms are:
• Suggestion boxes in schools for children
• Class/School monitors who can act as observers and reporting messengers
• Democracy game in schools to be promoted
• Orientation of Child welfare committee
All participants agreed that teachers remain the core to all the above mandates and they will be always be the driving factor in developing and implementing any all suggestion listed above.
The representatives from Government organizations assured their full support for piloting the above in some sample schools. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is presently undertaking training to Parent Teacher Association members of all the schools in Delhi who has extended their full support and invited to join the training program.
Please do let us know if you think of any further initiatives which could be undertaken to help create a fearless learning environment for children.
Tags: All India Primary Teachers’ Federation, children, Corporal Punishment, DCPCR, Directorate of education, Education Ministry, learn without fear, Plan, reporting mechanisms, Save the children, State commission, state consultation
Excellent initiative!
However well intentioned we are, the recommendations will be difficult to implement successfully unless one does away with the atmosphere of fear - not by talking, but by doing.
Unless this program invests in music or sport as a catalyst that draws together kids & teachers and creates a supportive environment - I’m afraid nothing may change, esp in the govt schools we’re trying to reach.
With best wishes
Anita Lobo