Bridge the learning gaps of underprivileged children

Program Update

Bhumi's academic programme poses a way to bridge educational inequities, in a scalable and cost-effective manner. The academic year began across cities where baseline assessments were implemented to identify the skills of the children. Programme kits were purchased such as story cards, flash cards, arrow cards, money cards, ganith mala etc., to deliver activity-based classes to the children. In the next few months, syllabus will be delivered to children based on their learning levels from the assessment conducted.

Story from the field

Dinesh was enrolled as a child in Bhumi's Ignite programme - Computer Project back in 2008 when he never had the opportunity to use a computer. In time, he was able to learn quickly, and he gained interest and enthusiasm because of the volunteer's teaching methodology. Due to his family situation, it was doubtful if he could study beyond class 10 but among other factors the confidence and motivation from the volunteers pushed him forward to pursue computer engineering in a polytechnic college. He went ahead to pursue higher studies further by taking an educational loan and with guidance from Bhumi volunteers, he continued to gain an in-depth understanding into computer science. While he aims to become a successful software engineer, he is aware of his community's needs - today, Dinesh volunteers with Bhumi to teach children in his neighbourhood the computer, thus creating a snowball effect of the nurtured nurturing others.

There is no one perfect way to make mainstream education more effective and interesting. Bhumi volunteers have made sure that our children appreciate what they learn, through their practical teaching methods and radical education fests. A pole-star in Bhumi's Ignite education programme is the Ignite Fest, an annual inter-shelter home education fest conducted in Chennai. At Ignite Fest, hundreds of children from different shelter homes and lower economic schools participate to display proficiency they have gained through the subjects taught by our volunteers. Children demonstrate project related models, conduct experiments and attend workshops, and thus get a unique opportunity to learn, compete and grow. This year (2017-18), the Fest was organized in National Institute of Fashion Technology on March 4, 2018. Over 950 children took part, displaying interesting projects made by them in teams, guided by volunteers. More than 260 Bhumi volunteers helped in organizing and conducting the event. The stage had inspired children to bring out their otherwise passive potential. Apart from the project expo, there were technical (learning-oriented) games and workshops for children. An example of one such game is Run to board, in which children had to connect different words to a common thematic word. Under Artoons, two main events were organised, aimed at bringing out the creativity of the kids. One event emphasized on how all paintings doesn't necessarily require a paint brush. It was demonstrated that any material like sponge, forks, straws, even hands can be used to portray creativity on paper; every child came up with creative ideas, efficiently using the materials. In all, the day proved to be an ensemble of talents, an inspiration to participants and the guests.

Rahul (name changed) was enrolled in Bhumi’s Delhi Ignite program, on the mentoring programme in high school, which pairs underprivileged children with volunteers who act as their mentors and role models. Though Rahul was in the mentoring programme, volunteers from all educational programmes under ‘Ignite’ in Delhi supported his education. Soon after his Class 10 final exams, Rahul moved back to his hometown and has been continuing his higher education. He has been educating more than 150 children in his hometown through an after-school program. Along with five other volunteers, he has been volunteering to train younger kids in their village. “I am liking it (teaching other children) so much. Time passes so quickly while teaching them. They are very eager to learn” – Rahul. It was a big achievement for Bhumi to learn how Rahul drew inspiration from the volunteers and decided to give back to society. Apparently, even in the Joy to the World program, he had asked for an Encyclopedia! Rahul stands as a leader to many underserved children in his village, just like how he was led by volunteers during his time in Delhi.