Kaushal Varta May 2024 - Empathy

The May 2024 edition of “KAUSHAL VARTA” newsletter is dedicated to Empathy, one of the core values and a fundamental pillar of Lend A Hand India. This edition offers a vibrant tapestry of updates on significant events from the past month, insightful articles by our team members centered on empathy, and heartwarming stories from our students. Each page reflects how empathy is not just a value but an unwavering principle that propels our mission across India. Discover how empathy shapes our initiatives, influences our actions, and fosters a compassionate community committed to making a difference.

Walking the Path of Well-Rounded Learning with Our Trainers

Mr. Keshav Sul

This piece is written on behalf of the Head Masters we work with, based on my interview with them.?

In the midst of the widespread discussion about the implementation of NEP-2020 and the importance of providing students with relevant educational experiences, we, as the Head Masters of PMC schools, feel incredibly privileged. Our students have been experiencing such an education model since the 9th grade, and it's all thanks to the empathetic approach of our trainers.

Before the 9th grade, our students were immersed in the traditional education system, which predominantly focused on academics. However, upon entering the 9th grade, their perspective underwent a profound transformation. They came to understand that education encompasses more than just textbooks and exams. Opting for vocational courses instead of Hindi or Sanskrit opened doors to a holistic learning approach, nurturing not only technical skills but also soft skills and real-world exposure.

Central to these vocational sessions are our trainers, who go beyond being mere educators. They view each student not as a performance statistic but as an individual with unique aspirations and challenges. This empathetic perspective allows students to feel valued, encouraging them to authentically engage in the teaching and learning process. Our trainers offer unwavering support, recognizing and nurturing the potential within each student.

Our trainers extend their empathy beyond the classroom, actively involving themselves in the personal lives of students as professional help/mentors. They visit their homes, engage with their parents, and seek collaborative solutions to support students' learning journeys. By valuing parental input and involving them in the educational process, our trainers foster a sense of belonging and partnership.

The vocational subjects offered encompass a diverse array of disciplines, ranging from woodworking and fabrication to culinary arts and agriculture. Importantly, our trainers maintain a gender-neutral approach, ensuring equal opportunities for all students to explore and excel in their chosen fields, regardless of gender or performance levels.

Learning extends beyond the confines of the classroom through field visits and guest lectures by industry professionals. These experiences provide students with invaluable insights into real-world applications of their skills, broadening their horizons and inspiring informed career choices.

Furthermore, our trainers instill a sense of responsibility and teamwork by encouraging students to give back to the school through maintenance and event organization activities. These experiences nurture a strong sense of community and prepare students for the challenges they may encounter in the real world.

Despite the challenges they may face, our trainers demonstrate unwavering dedication to providing the best possible learning environment for our students. From planning and facilitating sessions to maintaining workshops and adapting to unforeseen circumstances, their empathy and commitment shine through in every aspect of their work.

In essence, our vocational trainers exemplify the transformative power of empathy in education. Through their compassion, guidance, and dedication, they are shaping our students into well-rounded individuals equipped to navigate the complexities of the world with confidence and empathy.

Skills on Wheels speaks!!

- SOW

It is? hard to imagine that I can speak as a human being? Though being a bus that too with a name, the anonymity that the communication team has assured, makes it worth a try to understand the human beings around me with my machine heart. So forgive me if my rantings come across as not so relatable for you.?

Since my inception, I have always been surrounded by people who strive towards the best for me. The amount of experiences I have received were the result of dedicated efforts on the ground by people spending around 5-6 months in the field at stretch, working towards the vision of the organization. These sincere human beings, when I myself was in doubt about how to go further, constantly acquired the courage to make prompt decisions. Innovativeness in the project? They've got it in spades! Along with them… you won't believe the stories I witnessed, the stories I listened to. With them having a family—oh, the tales! The team constantly worked to bring better versions out of me, of which I am very proud.?

When you clearly know listening is never enough to empathize but to understand and act accordingly pushes you to the vastness of the word ‘Empathy’. Sometimes people don't want to believe in anything that is apparently callous to the needs and sufferings of others, and thus empathy loses its value in action. Doing justice to each life experience has never been easy when converted into words. Seeing flickers of emotions never made it easy to understand these humans around me. Listen? Empathize? Act? Not sure! Simple-complex creatures…?

Though a machine, it has never stopped me from listening and observing my people around me. That’s how I like to believe.?

Now, with Prashant as project manager, I have seen him catering to diverse stakeholders balancing deadlines and expectations, ensuring every detail is perfect —I've seen him stay up late on-ground, eyes strained, just to make sure everything is ready for the next day. It's not just about ticking off tasks for him; it's about making sure our mission to provide skill education reaches every corner. He always makes sure the team is feeling good and motivated. He has an incredible gift of sensing when someone is down.?

Then there's Tushar, our wizard. He has a knack for making unplanned things also run smoothly, but has also faced his own set of challenges. There are times when things don’t go as planned and I've seen him calmly working with frustration. But he never gives up. He has always been ready to spend month after month on-ground for providing skill education to the children. He gets a little teary in eyes when he talks about me.?

And Sunil, our resident empath. I've seen him comforting colleagues who were overwhelmed. He understands that empathy isn't just about listening—it's about being there, truly present, for those around him. The way he ensures things are intact even when he gets anxious is a skill indeed! He is such a person who will organize birthday parties for me as well. Yes, you heard that right—for me! I didn’t have the heart to tell him I don’t eat cake.?

Next up, we have Rahul, our logistics guy who is the backbone of our operations. My existence itself gets renewed by this man! This man can find all the resources in the busiest part of the city at noon on a weekday. He worries about every little detail, from the fuel gauge to the air pressure to the session delivery. There was a time when we got stuck in a remote area, and he coordinated on call to help with repairing me. That’s some dedication there.?

Our trainer expert, Kunal, is there for any one in the team at any point of time which brings empathy into action I believe. He knows New activities have been initiated increasing curiosity among children towards skill education.?

Then there is Ann who tries to have a way with words while capturing my work on-field. She seems confused sometimes and has seen her team members also stepping in. Sometimes she roams around me trying as if she is trying to figure out what’s in her mind and I feel like saying, “Don’t worry. I have got you there”.?

The curiosity and excitement among these people are contagious. Looking at myself through the six years of this journey, the introvert in me often thinks about how I was able to travel to so many places and states. Traveling makes you confident and happier especially when it serves a goal.?

So, as I continue to roll on, listening to the hum of the tyres on the road and the chatter of my wonderful team, I realize that empathy isn't just a human trait. It's in the little things, like making sure of the comfort, knowing your people etc. It's in the laughter and the shared silences, in the stories told and the miles traveled together.?

I may be a bus with a name, but with these incredible humans by my side, I feel like I'm part of something much bigger—a moving testament to empathy, innovation, and the indomitable human spirit. Through the challenges and successes, through the laughter and the tears, we roll on, bringing the gift of skill education to those who need it most. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Empathy in Action: Empowering Students Through Vocational Training

Asha Latkar

Five students from Zilla Parishad School Kavarabandh recently embarked on a transformative journey at the TATA STRIVE Institute. This initiative reflects the school's commitment to vocational education, which began in the 2015-16 academic year. Located in Salekasa Taluka, Gondia District, Maharashtra, Kavarabandh School offers courses in Electronics and Health Care, aiming to uplift students from this tribal area.

Safe Circle Activity

Throughout the year, the school organized discussions and sessions for 12th-grade students on various topics. One of the key activities were the Safe Circle Activity and Pathways sessions, where students discussed their plans post-12th grade. These sessions included students from both the Health Care and Electronics trades. Six students expressed a desire to further their education outside Gondia district, specifically in Nagpur. However, financial constraints at home posed significant challenges. Despite Nagpur having excellent and affordable educational institutes, the high living and eating expenses made students worry about finding hostel accommodation.

During these Pathways sessions, held within the supportive Safe Circle, students received valuable information about various educational opportunities and short-term courses. They learned about a two-month Assistant Electrician course at TATA STRIVE in Nagpur, which is entirely free and guarantees a job upon completion. This empathetic approach aimed to address their concerns and provide them with viable solutions.

Seizing this opportunity, five students from Kavarabandh School enrolled in the TATA STRIVE Institute in Nagpur. Their visit to the institute allowed them to understand the admission process and course details, alleviating some of their anxieties.

This initiative showcases the power of empathy in education. By understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by students, we can empower them to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams.

Empowering with Empathy: A Vocational Trainer's Journey

Vijay Boda

For over a decade, Seema Bhintade has dedicated her career to teaching vocational skills to 8th, 9th and 10th-grade students in a small village school called Bhiwadi, Saswad, Pune district. She has been teaching for more than 15 years. Her journey is one of passion, perseverance, and profound empathy. Despite earning a modest and less salary, Seema’s commitment to her students has never wavered.

Seema believes that education extends beyond textbooks. She teaches her students practical skills such as food processing, gardening and tailoring, preparing them for the real world. Her classroom is not just a place of learning; it's a space where dreams are nurtured and futures are built. "When I see my students successfully apply what they learn here to real-life situations, I feel a sense of fulfillment that no amount of money can buy," she says.

Empathy for Seema means understanding the unique challenges each student faces and tailoring her approach to meet their individual needs. Many of her students come from low-income families, and for them, vocational skills can be a lifeline. Seema's deep connection with her community allows her to bridge the gap between education and employability. She often visits students' homes, engaging with parents and offering guidance on how to support their children's aspirations.

Her dedication hasn't gone unnoticed. Dattatrya, a fellow colleague, recently highlighted Seema’s unwavering commitment in an internal discussion, reminding everyone of the power of empathy in education. "Seema’s embodies the spirit of our mission, "She connects with her students on a fundamental level, making a lasting impact on their lives and our community."

Seema's story is a testament to the power of vocational education and the profound impact a dedicated teacher can have. Her empathy-driven approach not only equips students with essential skills but also inspires them to dream big and strive for a better future. Her journey reminds us that true education is about more than imparting knowledge—it's about touching lives and fostering hope.

Empathy in Action: Riya's Journey of Understanding and Impact

Bimal Raturi

Whenever we talk about empathy, the first thing that is important is "understanding" - understanding the other person or understanding the situation. This story is related to understanding the situation.

The girl named Riya (name changed) came to Udaipur in Rajasthan from her hometown Delhi through a fellowship with a desire to understand the development sector. She was doing good work with the community in the tribal area of Udaipur, focusing on girls' empowerment and reaching out to as many girls as possible. The tribal community of Udaipur was a closed community, making it difficult for outsiders to be accepted. However, seeing Riya's dedication to the community, influential people from that community also started supporting her.

We all have both good and bad habits, and Riya, too, had the habit of smoking. It was known to everyone that she would smoke 5 to 6 cigarettes a day.

After a few days, as part of the fellowship process, Riya had to stay in the village for a month. During this time, she performed all her tasks well and gained a lot of love and respect from the community.

As everyone in the large group started sharing their experiences, Riya also shared her own. During the Q&A session, I asked her how she managed her smoking habit while living in the community for a whole month.

Her response left me speechless and helped me understand the true meaning of empathy. She told me that she had not smoked for a whole month and had actually quit smoking. The reason she gave was that the community she was working with was very closed-off and had allowed her to work with their girls based on a great amount of trust. In this closed community, there were already negative assumptions about outsiders. If anyone had ever seen her smoking, their trust would have been shattered, and the little freedom the community had given to their girls by trusting her would have been lost forever. Her actions would have jeopardized the trust and freedom of the girls in the community. Realizing the risks involved, she decided to quit smoking for the greater cause. Although she faced difficulties initially, she focused on the bigger goal and the impact she wanted to make. Gradually, her smoking habit also ended.

Riya's response taught me the real meaning of empathy. Through her understanding of the situation, she was able to achieve her goals and make a sustainable impact. Not only did she permanently eliminate her smoking habit, but she also contributed to the education and freedom of the girls in the community.

Can I really fit into someone else's shoes? - An attempt to decode empathy!

Sharmila Govande

To empathize with someone’s experience, you must be willing to believe them as they see it and not how you imagine their experience to be. – Brene Brown

One of my DI school visits was followed by a community and home visit. I had taken care of my look (wore a simple salwar kameez with no make-up, just a small bindi on my forehead, simple flat chappals and a cloth bag) and yet I became conscious of the prying eyes gazing at me as I entered the community. The stark difference between me (an outsider) and the locals was evident. The student who brought us to the community walked through the small dingy lanes hurriedly without meeting or greeting the passersby. It felt as though she just wanted this task to be done with. Was she conscious of my presence? Was she embarrassed? What was making her walk so fast, I wondered?

Once inside her one room abode, I was greeted by her tobacco chewing mother, a young lady (probably in her late 20s). A young teen sleeping on the floor woke up to our light hearted banter. Observing my attention shift to the girl on the floor, the mother explained that she was given the TT vaccine at school and had developed a fever. The girl with a disgusted look stated angrily that she didn’t want to take the vaccine. After chatting with the family, inquiring about the future plans for their children,(my purpose was to get a better understanding of the parents aspirations for their child) I said my goodbyes and left.?

On my way out, multiple thoughts rushed through my head. My eyes and my ears were seeing and hearing things bitter and sweet. Toddlers running around naked, women standing at their door steps - some laughing, some in deep discussion, some arguing, loud noises of anger from within closed doors, youth huddled up watching / playing mobile games, kittens and puppies all over. The dingy slum with its waste water running through the lanes barely enough for a person to walk by, was indeed alive. I noticed how different my life was from the people living in this community. I realized that the area covered by my house would be enough to hold 20 - 25 such community homes. I wondered - what is this student thinking? How did my presence affect her family? How was it affecting me? Was I being empathetic or sympathetic?

I had questioned the parents about their plans for their daughter’s future. Though they shared that they were willing to educate her further, I could feel the skepticism. They weren’t aware of the various options available. The mother was fearful about her daughter’s safety and stated that the world isn’t safe for girls. She believed marriage to be a solution to ensure a safe world for her daughter. I noticed how my preconceived notions about ‘gender and freedom’ were deterring me from being empathetic...

I remembered words of wisdom shared by a life coach, the first step toward empathy is to be with your own feelings. “Without an understanding of what the situation is doing to you, you won't be able to empathize and further you won't be able to help” was her explanation. Most often we operate from our perceptions, our feelings and thoughts and our ideas and we believe that following our guidance, advice will resolve their problems. By doing so, we take over? control over the ownership and responsibility and in a way disempower the person.?

Empathy, according to me, is the ability to keep one’s own thoughts, perceptions, notions, values and beliefs aside and focus on what the other is thinking, feeling, comprehending about the situation they are in. It is the ability to perceive things from another person’s point of view. It is easy to sympathize, but it’s tough to empathize and it’s tough to keep the ‘me’ aside and become the ‘person’ we want to empathize with.?

Displaying empathy with our stakeholders is crucial for the success of any intervention planned. Being empathetic about the circumstances, cultural background, their mindset and thought process needs to be taken into consideration while designing a program and setting targets and outcome indicators. Being empathetic also helps us design intervention strategies and decide a timeline that is feasible.?

With empathy playing such a significant role in social intervention, the question that naturally comes up is - How does one show empathy? And the answer is given aptly by Brene Brown, an American professor and social worker -

Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message“ you’re not alone.

Empathy Ignites: Fueling Motivation for Change

Arundhati Jadhav

Empathy in our work not only improves our performance but also keeps us motivated and inspired. With this in mind, I have always wanted to give back to my hometown and district, Kolhapur. My goal is to reduce the gap between urban and rural education using my knowledge because I deeply understand the people there.

On that note, I aimed to operationalise the ATL(Atal Tinkering Labs) across the district. Lend A Hand India provided me with a fantastic opportunity to do the same. During this project, I trained school teachers and students, and I also brought in interns from my engineering college.

I found that when you work for your community, you feel more empathy. This empathy drives you to spend more time and put in more effort.

As the project came to an end, I talked with stakeholders and saw a huge improvement in their performance. The satisfaction from seeing this change is unmatched.

To empathize is to energize. Empathy keeps you connected to the cause and helps you find the best solutions. This journey has taught me that true happiness comes from making a positive difference in others' lives.

A compassionate team for a compassionate workplace!

Anant Kumar

When we start a career in PMU(Project Management Unit) in the Samagra Shiksha department, we usually do not get enough time to understand policies, work and stakeholders. The need is such that we have to start working as soon as possible, sometimes from day one.

This is the case with our newly joined member Nikitha in PMU, Samagra Shiksha Department, Telangana. She is exceptionally good at facilitation and content development and program implementation. However, she has had less time to develop her data-related skills in previous workplaces.

Here in Lend A Hand India, PMU is where you work with large data sets, equivalent to state-level numbers. Compassionate colleagues like Deepika and Nilesh understand the need to support Nikitha in the initial days. Smitha from Karnataka PMU has been sent to Hyderabad to work with Nikitha and help her understand some PMU-related tasks. Subsequently, I was asked to visit Hyderabad to work with Nikitha Dakarapu to support her with PMU, Internship-related work, and budget-related tasks.

Initially I was not aware of why I was asked to work with Nikitha in Hyderabad. However, after visiting and working with Nikitha in the same office, I understood the challenges she was facing as a new and solitary member of the PMU. I felt grateful to be able to support her with some of the tasks like PM Shri and Internship budget happening at the state level.

I was pleased with how the senior management in Lend A Hand India showed compassion toward the new member of the team and thought of supporting her in every possible way.

STUDENT STORIES

Presenting the passion to her parents: A Proud Trainer

Prajakta Gophane

I would like to share one success story. When I was working in PMC schools, one of my students was Ms. Rutuja Shriram. She was very good at technical education (for example, preparing different electrical circuits, carpentry work, etc.), but her father did not agree to send her to school. As per their opinion, technical education is not for girls. When she came to me and explained the scenario and asked me to convince her father, I went to her house and met her parents. She explained the importance of technical education to him and spoke about how she was performing well at school. She invited her parents to a skill day exhibition at school and requested that he allow her to pursue her dreams and avoid stereotypes. I feel very honoured to say that now she is completing her graduation in the technical field, and we are still in touch.

Thank you for listening to me.

Empathy's Gentle Push: Sanjeev's Path to Success

Priya Meshram

In the heart of Latur district, at Zilla Parishad School in Kasarbalkonda, Nilnga, Sanjeev embarked on a journey that transcended his humble beginnings. Despite facing significant financial constraints, Sanjeev's passion for nurturing nurseries and agriculture burned bright since his school days. Sanjeev's academic journey showcased his dedication and hard work, earning him accolades in his studies, especially in the multi-skill subjects he pursued during his 9th and 10th-grade years. However, the financial hurdles looming over his future threatened to dim his aspirations.

Amidst these challenges, Sanjeev found solace and guidance in Mr. Susil Sinde, his Vocational Trainer in multi-skills. Mr. Sinde's empathetic approach and unwavering support provided Sanjeev with the encouragement he needed to pursue his dreams. Recognizing Sanjeev's potential, Mr. Sinde not only offered guidance but also instilled in him the belief that his passion for managing nurseries could pave the way for a brighter future.

Tragedy struck in 2020 with the passing of Sanjeev's father, leaving him, his mother, and two siblings in a precarious situation. Yet, fueled by determination and guided by his mother's unwavering support, Sanjeev embarked on the journey of establishing his nursery. With minimal resources but boundless resolve, Sanjeev and his brother toiled tirelessly, tending to the soil, sowing seeds, and nurturing trees like Neem, Bamboo, Pimple, and Karanja. Despite the cramped space, their dedication bore fruit, attracting the attention of government nurseries and the forest department.

Through his ingenuity and the empathetic support of his teacher, Sanjeev's nursery flourished. Not only did he secure a stable income for his family, but he also earned recognition for his innovative approach to tree plantation. Looking ahead, Sanjeev envisions expanding his business alongside his brother, ushering in fresh ideas and innovation to the nursery industry. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of empathy, as the unwavering belief and support of his teacher ignited the spark that fueled his entrepreneurial spirit.

In Sanjeev's story, we witness the profound impact of empathy in nurturing talent, fostering resilience, and cultivating a brighter future for individuals like him who dare to dream against all odds.

Journey of Success

Ankit Deshmukh

Abhay Ambekar is a boy from a middle-class family. His father, Nandkishor Ambekar, works in a small-scale production company in the FMC(Food Machinery Corporation) area and his mother is a homemaker.

Abhay received his schooling at J.P. Secondary and Junior College, Adgaon, Akola District, Maharashtra. He chose the Retail subject while in the 9th grade. Since his father worked in the retail sector, he had some basic knowledge about this field and was curious about it. Therefore, he chose this subject to gain more information about it. He studied this subject from the 9th to the 12th grade. He had already decided to pursue a career in this field in the future. The reason for this was the experience gained through internships. Abhay completed an 80-hour internship at B Mart Akot, Adgaon Taluka, Akola District while in the 12th grade during the academic year 2018-19. During this internship, he gained primary knowledge and experience about various aspects such as communication skills, financial aspects of business, technical knowledge required in business, information about various products of different companies, and how to start and run a business.

However, after completing the 12th grade, he immediately decided not to accept a job and to complete a professional course first, and then decide on a job. Therefore, after completing the 10th or 12th grade, he looked into a good vocational training program as an ITI. With this perspective, Abhay looked into completing a two-year course at ITI and then getting a job. After that, he decided to pursue a job.

Two options were available to him for employment. He could either accept a job in the ITI trade or work in the retail sector. To work in either of these fields, it was necessary to have education and a degree. After much consideration and keeping his own future goals in mind, he decided to work in the retail sector. Accordingly, he was interviewed for the position of Sales Associate at Reliance Fresh Retail Store, Akola. After passing the interview, he was appointed to the position of Sales Associate and was paid Rs. 14,000 per month. The knowledge gained from studying retail at the secondary and junior college level enabled him to secure a job in his preferred field. Providing employment opportunities to students in the future through vocational education at the secondary and higher secondary levels is one of the many objectives of vocational education. This objective seems to have been fully achieved in Abhay's case, and his journey so far is an excellent example of the fulfillment of the objectives of vocational education.

UPDATES

KARIGAR School of Applied Learning?

The summer camp, held in two batches from April 29 to May 4 and May 7 to May 11, was an incredible experience for the 43 students. The camp offered a diverse range of activities, including carpentry, electrical work, gardening, food processing, and electro-mechanical tasks. Each activity was designed to be both educational and enjoyable, ensuring that the students learned valuable skills while having fun.

In the carpentry sessions, students learned to use various tools and created their own nameplates and toy cars. The electrical activities taught them about the different sources of energy and circuit creation, sparking their interest. Gardening sessions allowed the students to get their hands dirty while learning about plant care and environment conservation.

Food processing activities were a big hit, as students enjoyed making and tasting cupcakes, dessert cups, basket chaat and sandwiches. The electro-mechanical sessions combined principles of mechanics and electronics, giving students hands-on experience in building cars and electronic rangolis.

Overall, the summer camp was a huge success, providing a perfect blend of learning and fun. Students left with new skills, new friends, and a sense of accomplishment. The camp not only enriched their knowledge but also helped form new friendships and provide a space where they can keep coming back to a fun learning space.

Project Catalyst, Maharashtra

The Catalyst Maharashtra team includes DPCs(District Project Coordinators) who work directly with schools at the ground level and regularly coordinate with various stakeholders to implement numerous initiatives. A three-day annual review meeting was organized at Karigar Center, Pune, to account for the work done by DPCs/FOs(Field Officers) during the 2023-24 academic year. The PMU(Project Management Unit) team operating in Maharashtra, along with DPCs and field officers, attended this meeting. Over these three days, reviews were conducted on topics such as the internship program, career pathways, job fairs, ITI(Industrial Training Institute) drives, study methods, and visits to schools and officers. Additionally, various training programs were organized to build team capacity, and planning for the next academic year's work was also undertaken.

Skills On Wheels

The month May was crucial for SOW for the annual planning and partnerships. Engagement in PM Shri visits added colour to the month. In regards to the resource building of the team, learning exposure sessions, interprogram orientation and discussions, annual plan drafting workshops were conducted in the month of May. With PM Shri visits coming in, SOW is being presented as a skill education implementation model in ten venues so far. Starting with the Dehradun visits followed by Jaipur, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bhopal and Ranchi coming up in this month. Community visits were done in support of mobilizing and giving skill education exposure to the public audience. In specific to next year's engagement, the month of May is occupied with the meetings with organizations, submissions of proposals, etc.

Summer school (Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Technical School, Shukrawar Peth Pune)

The biggest challenge in metro cities for parents in summer is how to keep their children busy during summer vacation. Because they both go to work, children are always alone at home. Taking this into consideration and keeping in mind Lend a Hand India and partner schools designed a summer school program and implemented it in a very well-organized way.

Summer school at Technical School is designed so that every student can gain hands-on learning experience and enhance their skills.

A total of 31 students from the five different Schools of Pune Municipal Corporation from 11 am to 4 pm, everyday coming to school and learning Electrical, Mechanical and Food processing skills. In this one month, we have seen a lot of qualitative, measurable changes in students. This is our first time doing a summer school program in a government school. These are going to help in the future for organizations and government partnerships for making changes in the education sector. This program allows our students to enhance their skills and identify their areas of interest for their personal growth.

Program Designed by – Shivcharan Gaygol and Arun Raut

Implementing Team – Technical school Team of Lend a Hand India( @Dipali Sonone, Aishwarya Gaikwad, Aditya Bodkhe, Prajakta Gophane)

Capacity Building for Resource Persons of PM Shri Schools

The PM SHRl (Prime Minister School for Rising India) Scheme is a new initiative that demonstrates the implementation of various aspects of the NEP 2020. In its first phase, 6,207 schools have been selected to participate. The scheme aims to enhance the capacity of Resource Persons and PM SHRl School Principals in areas like NEP 2020 insights, PM SHRl Action Plan, leadership, mental well-being, digital learning, and skill education. Workshops are being conducted for Resource Persons across 14 different locations covering 17 states and 3 union territories over 2 months, including Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Haryana, Chandigarh, Assam, and Meghalaya. Lend A Hand India's team is training to improve vocational education delivery in PM SHRl schools in collaboration with the Department of School Education and Literacy. During these sessions, students lead the way by sharing their experiences and advocating for vocational education, from internships to hands-on learning to the "Skills on Wheels" program. This initiative is under the leadership of Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Mr. Vipin Kumar, and IAS Ms. Preeti Meena, alongside teams from organizations such as ShikshaLokam, Kshamtalaya Foundation, Expressions India, MukkaMaar, Microsoft, and Lend A Hand India.