“Village Goes to School” Initiative: A Beacon of Hope for Rural Maharashtra
Written by: Arvind Jadhav
Empowering Teachers, Empowering Communities
Satara : In a groundbreaking initiative, the Zilla Parishad Primary School in Malwadi, a drought-hit village in Satara district, has launched the “Village Goes to School” program conceived by Block Education Officer Laxman Pise, this initiative aims to make the entire village fluent in English, thereby empowering students, teachers, and the community at large.
“Village Goes to School” Theme
The “Village Goes to School” theme is built around the idea of transforming the entire village into a learning hub. The initiative aims to make English learning accessible and engaging for everyone, regardless of age or background. By depicting English studies on the walls of houses and village walls, the program creates an immersive learning environment that extends beyond the classroom. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize English education in rural Maharashtra, empowering students, teachers, and the community to become active participants in the learning process.
Principal Prashant Jadhav: A Visionary Teacher
Under the dynamic leadership of Principal Prashant Jadhav, the school has been transformed into an immersive English-learning environment. Principal Jadhav, who has worked with the British Council as a state-level instructor for H.S.C. and B.Ed. English, has brought his expertise to the forefront, designing a comprehensive program that caters to the needs of students, teachers, and the community.
Teachers: The Backbone of the Initiative
The school teachers, including Sunita Budhanvar, Shivaji Sonwalkar, Andrao Jathar, and Dattatray Gawde, have been instrumental in implementing the initiative. Their dedication, hard work, and passion for teaching have created a conducive learning environment, where students are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow. The teachers have also been trained to use innovative methods and techniques, making English learning fun and engaging. The 160-year-old Malwadi Zilla Parishad School currently has 109 students studying in classes 1 to 4. Out of these, 80 percent students can converse in English, and out of these, 40 students are almost proficient in English. These students are influencing others in the entire village to learn English through their English conversation.
Building Trust with Parents
The success of an initiative is often attributed to the leader at its helm. A perfect example of this is the “Village Goes to School” initiative, spearheaded by Principal Prashant Jadhav of Malwadi School. During a surprise visit by the Satara District Collector, Principal Jadhav took the opportunity to explain the concept of “Village Goes to School” and “Magic Badge” in English, impressing not only the District Collector but also the administrative officers, teachers, students, and parents present. This showcase of confidence and expertise has significantly boosted the parents’ trust in the public participation aspect of the initiative. Furthermore, the Satara District Collector expressed appreciation for Principal Jadhav’s efforts and wished the initiative continued success, a testament to the impact of dedicated leadership.
A Community-Driven Approach
The “Village Goes to School” initiative is a shining example of community-driven education. The school has involved the community in the program, encouraging parents, alumni, and local residents to participate in the initiative. This collaborative approach has fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members, ensuring the sustainability and success of the program.
Laxman Pise: A Champion of Rural Education
Block Education Officer Laxman Pise has been a driving force behind the initiative. His vision, leadership, and commitment to rural education have inspired a team of dedicated teachers, students, and community members to work together towards a common goal. Mr. Pise’s efforts have shown that with determination, innovation, and community support, even the most challenging goals can be achieved. Notably, during the tenure of Group Education Officer Laxman Pise, prominent English-language newspapers and news channels from across India and abroad took cognizance of the innovative educational initiatives in the drought-affected taluka.
Empowering Rural Communities through Education
The “Village Goes to School” initiative has the potential to revolutionize English education in rural Maharashtra. By empowering teachers, students, and the community, the program aims to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities, providing equal opportunities for all. As the initiative continues to gain momentum, it serves as a beacon of hope for rural education, inspiring others to follow in its footsteps.
