In a significant move to combat learning regression during school breaks, the education department in Jharkhand has rolled out a novel community-based program. Named Gram Shiksha Sangam, this initiative is spearheaded by the Jharkhand Education Project Council (JEPC) and aims to cultivate consistent reading habits among students even when educational institutions are closed for vacations.
Bridging the Learning Gap with Community Power
Officials conceptualized the program to proactively address the learning gaps that often widen during holiday periods. The core idea is to establish supportive and stimulating reading environments right within village communities. By transforming the break into a period of engagement, the initiative seeks to ensure that academic momentum is not lost.
This is fundamentally a community-centric effort. Its execution relies on the active involvement of school management committees (SMCs), representatives from Panchayati Raj Institutions, parents, and dedicated local volunteers. To maximize accessibility, sessions are being conducted in communal spaces and open areas across villages, ensuring an inclusive atmosphere for children from various age groups.
Structure and Engaging Activities of the Program
As per the official guidelines, Gram Shiksha Sangam will be conducted for a minimum of two days throughout the winter vacation. Importantly, the SMCs have been granted the authority to extend this duration based on specific local needs and response.
The sessions are designed to be interactive and enjoyable, steering away from rote learning. Children are encouraged to dive into storybooks, discuss illustrations, participate in group reading activities, and freely share their perspectives. The initiative incorporates a variety of engaging methods to spark interest:
- Setting up inviting reading corners using existing library books.
- Displaying educational posters to create a print-rich environment.
- Using name cards for ice-breaking exercises to build a comfortable group dynamic.
State project director at JEPC, Shashi Ranjan, elaborated on the pedagogical focus. "Special emphasis is being placed on discussions around foundational literacy and numeracy with parents through simple games," he stated. The program also includes small science experiments specifically aimed at igniting curiosity and a love for inquiry among the young participants.
Parents as Key Partners in Learning
Parental involvement is not just welcomed but forms a cornerstone of the Gram Shiksha Sangam model. Parents are actively encouraged to read stories aloud to children and participate in collective discussions. This strategy serves a dual purpose: it helps foster a sustainable culture of reading at home and reinforces learning concepts beyond the traditional classroom setting, making education a shared community responsibility.
By leveraging local resources and volunteerism, Jharkhand's Gram Shiksha Sangam presents a scalable model to keep the flame of learning alive during academic breaks, directly tackling the challenge of seasonal learning loss in rural areas.
