In their endeavor to give back to society, Vidyashilp Community Trust (VCT) in association with Vidyashilp Academy (VSA), Bangalore has recently adopted Government Higher Primary School situated in Byatarayanapura with the vision to enhance both interpersonal development and teaching skills so that the school can impart quality education to the students. Going forward, VSA plans to introduce co-curricular activities into the government school’s curriculum and also monitor the quality of academics, attendance of students, the parent satisfaction and tangible improvement in the students’ academic scores.

Promoted by the Government of Karnataka in 1948, the school is currently managed by eight teachers at the primary level of education. Vidyashilp Academy also intends to improve the requisite infrastructure of the school to enhance learning spaces by undertaking activities such as improvement of the school playground, upkeep of essentials in the classrooms, painting, and waterproofing of classroom walls, assistance in upgrading the library, early science lab, computer lab, stores etc. The school also plans to conduct campus activities on designated days such as Children’s Day, Independence Day at the school in collaboration with students from both schools. The objective is for the students to benefit from the practical application of knowledge, hands-on opportunities, an integrated teaching and learning methodology based on current practices at Vidyashilp Academy.

 Speaking about the initiative, Kiran Pai, director Vidyashilp Academy, said, “Our society remains marked with stark inequalities – none more obvious in the education sector. Many public schools in Bangalore struggle with inadequate infrastructure, poor sanitation and hygiene, lack of professional learning and weak academic outcomes. This government school is no exception, it is our duty to step in. In partnership with the government school principal Vani Gandhi, we aim to meet the developmental needs of our newly adopted students so that their future is just as promising, as the students of Vidyashilp Academy. ”

 VSA students have been involved with the government school on various projects, one such was with U&I, an NGO  that works on ensuring impactful, high-quality education for underprivileged students in order for them to lead successful lives. VSA students have been teaching the basics of English language to the government school students and this has made a great impact with some students wanting to pursue teaching as a profession.

Excited to speak in English, a student of the government school says, “Earlier, it was difficult for me to speak one full sentence in English but after the spoken English and reading classes, I am able to speak very fluenty. I am thinking of becoming a teacher now”. She is one among the 250 students benefitting from the education development programme conducted by Vidyashilp Academy.

Comments Kalai Selvi, head of the school, VSA, “We commit to nurturing socially responsive students, I am delighted that Shilpites value what they have been ascribed and have shown a deep sense of respect and humility to others who are pushing themselves to climb the social ladder. Interface with children in the community schools has helped us see the deeper and proactive side of our children”.
 
Other programmes such as annual health check-up, nutrition camps for students, providing for notebooks and stationery, additional school uniform and shoes are also on the agenda.