- Marathi for Non-Marathi Students:
This unique initiative by Samyak Education Forum is need of the hour. Migrating labors from different states come to Maharashtra with their children. These children with different mother tongue are compelled to take admission in Marathi medium schools due to poor financial condition. They do not understand Marathi, but have to get education in Marathi medium. Education department of Panvel Municipal Corporation asked us to provide solution to this problem. Under Right To Education (RTE), these students are enrolled in different classes as per their age. Hence it becomes challenging situation for students in higher class. This program is developed under guidance of Ms. Vasanty Mistry (expert in the education field). Students are taught from alphabets to grammar. This program ready to be replicated all across Maharashtra wherever it is required.
2. Special English classes for class 5 to 7
It is observed that students in government aided schools are weak in English language. Whereas knowledge of most of the fields is available mostly in English. In order to remove fear of English language and to prepare students to speak, read and write English, special classes are conducted for class 5 to 7 on every Saturday after their regular classes.
3. Guidance to class 5 students for Scholarship Examination.
In order to prepare mindset of students for competitive examinations, Samyak Education Forum has decided to provide guidance to selected class 5 students for scholarship examination. This initiative has helped students to improve their aptitude towards languages, mathematics and intelligence tests.
4. Study tours of Nehru Planetarium – Mumbai
In one of the counseling sessions conducted by Ms. Jayashree Katkar (Head HR – Deepak Fertilizers) students asked questions about celestial bodies and how they can acquire knowledge in that field. Looking at the interest of the students Ms. Jayashree Katkar is sponsoring study tour to Nehru Planetarium every year. Students as well as their teachers enjoy this unique experience.
5. Computer Literacy Program for Class 5 to 7.
Knowledge of computers for students is need of the hour. This program is conducted in collaboration with NGO EforS. Head of EforS, Dr. Sharad Wagle conducted T3 (Train The Teachers) program for volunteers of Samyak Education Forum. This is tablet based training program. During two days full day program, students are taught editing, spreadsheet, presentation, e-mail and internet browsing. This program is being conducted in two schools in the month of April.
6. Science Behind Magic (Marvel)
Children are the ambassadors for any change. It was decided to bring awareness among students and teaching staff about misuse of various techniques and scientific methods in the name of miracle or marvel. This program was jointly conducted by Samyak Education Forum and Maharshtra Andhashradhha Nirmulan Samiti. Various tricks were demonstrated, technique and science behind them was explained. All these programs were conducted during “Palak Sabha (Shala)” with significant attendance of parents.
7. Financial support for students from underprivileged class.
Education in government schools is free for all students. But these students are required to pay fees and pay for educational materials they receive from high schools and colleges. Many of the students we work with are from underprivileged class. Inability of paying fees and other educational materials may lead to discontinuation of education. Samyak Education Forum is helping such students by paying fees, uniforms and educational materials with help of GOD (Group Of Donors).
8. Program “Vayat Yetana”
Sex education is neglected part in our school curriculum and in society as a whole. To address this issue and to introduce MHM (Menstrual Hygiene Management), program “Vayat Yetana” has been launched for class 6 and 7 in academic year 2019-20. Sanitary pads are provided to girls every month as part of MHM.
This program is conducted in three sessions: 1. Common session for both boys and girls. 2A. Separate session for boys. 2B. Separate session for girls. 3. Joint session for girls and their mothers.
Question box is installed in all schools where this program is conducted. Students are encouraged to put their questions inked on a piece of paper. All relevant questions are answered in follow up session every month.
9. UMANG (Upcoming program for physically/ mentally challenged children)
Many physically and/or mentally challenged children are found in our society. Parents with sound financial background can afford treatment as well as fees required for development of their children. Various government schemes are available for underprivileged class. But due to either inadequate knowledge or documents required, benefits of such schemes does not reach to needy children.
A task force is formed which will help such children to avail benefits of different government schemes. This ultimately will help them to become self reliant citizens of India.