JOIN US50 kids study nature, SSA shows the way
Instead, they enjoyed three days of Dasara vacation in adventure sports and learning about nature, thanks to the initiative taken under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan by the government. The adventure and nature study training camp was initiated last year under SSA on a pilot basis in Bangalore. Realising the success of the training camp, the government decided to extend the same to all the districts in the State.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyana Deputy Programme Co-ordinator Shivaprakash said 50 kids from various schools of the district were selected for the training which was held on October 18, 19 and 20 at Sadashiva Gada near Karwar. The training was jointly organised by General Thimmaiah National Adventure Academy and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyana.
He said the 50 children were accompanied by three teachers (two female and one male). The team of children included 26 boys and 24 girls. He said those students who are interested in sports and adventure activities were selected for the camp.
The camp had taught the children swimming, rafting, setting up a tent during trekking and so on. “Many children who took part in the camp did not know how to swim. After the camp, they know the art of swimming. First they were taught swimming using life jacket. Later, they were asked to swim without life jacket.
In fact, on the last day, the children were taken for a ride in ‘Banana’ boat and they had to swim to the shore (after they were dropped in a particular point),” said Shivaprakash.
He said the children were taken out for trekking to a nearby hillock at Sadashiva Gada. The children were also made to identify the plants and awareness against throwing the waste during trekking. The participating children were given track suit and shoes. A sum of Rs 1,000 was spent on each child.
The participating children were given certificate, he said. More children will be covered under the programme next year. The number of children who participated included Bantwal taluk—8, Belthangady—12, Mangalore (urban)—8, Mangalore (rural)—8, Moodbidri—3, Puttur—8 and Sullia—3.
Adventure camp for differently abled
The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is also planning to organise adventure and nature training camp for the differently abled kids in the month of December.
Sarva Shikshana Abhiyana Deputy Programme Co-ordinator Shivaprakash said that the number of kids for the camp will be limited to 50. “We are still preparing details for the camp. The venue of the camp is yet to decided. The differently abled children will also be taught adventure sports and nature study.
It may be like a visit to a forest and identifying the few known plants and so on. The camp will be first of its kind in the district. We are collecting opinions on holding adventure camp for the differently abled with experts as well.”