Learning made fun

At a time when mere completion of the syllabus has taken an edge over the process of teaching, practical education has become unheard of in government schools of rural Karnataka. Realising the importance of practical teaching to inculcate a passion for the subjects taught in the school, a team of youths in Puttur taluk of Dakshina Kannada district has been collaborating with schools to engage students in hands-on learning. Though the effort was initiated in 2012, it was registered as Akaanksha Charitable Trust in 2014. The team has over 50 members including doctors, researchers, teachers, engineers and postgraduate students. 

The team visits rural schools at least on two Sundays every month and organises activities on Science and day-to-day affairs. By doing so, the team develops the traits of curiosity and reasoning among rural kids. “The idea is to build a strong foundation in Basic Sciences and prepare Kannada medium students for higher studies,” says Shreesha Bhat, head of the team. 

Most of the members of Akaanksha are from rural areas who have studied in Kannada medium till SSLC. Another common element that binds the members is that  they had to struggle to get a hang of Science in PUC due the change of medium and lack of practical exposure. According to Shreesha, who conceptualised the initiative, he never enjoyed studying Science till PUC although he scored well. But his understanding of the subject improved in the degree classes. Well-equipped laboratory, active involvement in various experiments and inspiring teachers, who taught how to relate Science concepts to daily life, changed his perspective. In 2011, when he was doing his postgraduation, he teamed up with like-minded friends Riyanka, Hari and Jyothi and shared his vision of making Science exciting for rural students. Gradually, more people came forward to work with him and in November 2012, Akaanksha team started its activities with the help of 38 volunteers. 

Of knowledge in experimentsThe team organises activities like computer training, science experiments, bank transactions, quiz programmes and group discussions to keep students abreast with latest developments and help them get an in-depth understanding of Science concepts. The team ensures that every student participates in the activities. A maximum of 110 students are taught in a day in four groups. Each group is given practical training in Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Mathematics. “The team members engage students in over 40 experiments related to Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Other activities are based on high school syllabus,” says Riyanka.

For instance, students study the concepts of reflection and refraction of solar rays in their textbooks. The team members take necessary equipments to the classroom to show them the actual process and explain it. It is not just Science, but other activities to strengthen students’ knowledge and understanding of the society are also designed by the team. “We have planned the activities in such a way that even if the students opt for streams other than Science, the knowledge gained here will be of use to them,” says Shreesha. For effective dissemination of knowledge, the team visits a school at least five times. 

The team identifies students who have psychological issues and organises counselling sessions for kids and their parents. The team also utilises the talents of its members. To educate students about the first aid techniques and treatment in emergency situations such as heart attack, snakebite and drowning, the team members write and enact plays with such themes.

Along with supporting the schools to keep a culturally vibrant atmosphere, the team organises interactions with scientists and other achievers. “The activities of Akaanksha has helped students develop interest in Science and other day-to-day affairs. It improves their understanding of the subjects, approach towards studies and helps them get good marks in the exams. Computer training has helped teachers too,” says Sheshashayana Karinja, Banwal taluk block education officer. “Even though our school is situated in a rural area, we used to conduct Science experiments. But lack of time and equipments hampered our interest. I met the Akaanksha team at an event and requested it to visit our school. The team has provided Science and Computer training and enhanced the knowledge of our students,” says Sudhindra G, head teacher, Koila Government High School. 

Annual membership and contribution from well-wishers are the major sources of funds for the team’s activities. The team informs the block education office (BEO) about its activities in the schools and seeks permission. In return, the BEO sends a circular to the particular school and requests them to take part in the activities. So far, the team has covered over 50 schools in Dakshina Kannada district. In 2015, the team extended its activities to places around Bengaluru. In the first year, activities have been organised in schools of Chikkaballapura and Ramanagara districts. For more details, log on to www.akaanksha or call 8861938512 or email [e-mail].

(Translated by Anitha Pailoor)