BVB’s Narmada Vidyalaya. Bharuch

IND-ENG-44032407-2014….If I CAN….YOU CAN

Feel…..The NEWS that DFC PROJECT has again been announced….spread fastImmediately another group came forward…..”MAM WE WANT TO PARTICIPATE…TOO…PLEEAASEEE”…SO WE STARTED the process again….FEEL>>IMAGINE>>DO & SHARE….The problems which irked the children were…Parking problemThings getting lost..and not found.Sports facilitiesCondition of libraryConcern for their friends who are slow learners.

Feel….The last ISSUE was selected….as it concerned their friends.

Feel…..A meeting with the concerned teachers and the slow learners was held…It was observed…that… most of the students admitted under the RTE … .had talent ,but less self belief & self confidence…….they needed extra help, especially for co curricular and co scholastic activities….Academic performance is taken care of by our teachers and extra tutors at home…..BUT…….They had absolutely no help to prepare for EXTERNAL EXAMS..INTER & INTRA SCHOOL CO - CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES…..AND..excelling in these areas will raise their Self esteem andConfidence………

Feel…..”These friends are smart and active but never win prizes in competitions.” “We are unable to get good poems and write ups for recitation & Elocution competitions…My PARENTS ARE ILLITERATE “. “ Nobody to give me IDEAS for FANCY DRESS COMPETITIONS….My mother is illiterate.” “MY PARENTS HAVE NO IDEA of what is an OLYMPIAD…” “MY PARENTS HAVE NEVER GONE TO A SCHOOL….who will help me in my SCIENCE PROJECTS ?......

DISCUSSIONS…IDEAS…SUGESSTIONS..

INNOVATIONS..PLANNING…

THINKING..

IMAGINE….All of us were touched…HERE STOOD TREMENDOUS POTENTIAL….waiting to be UNLEASHED..but lack of proper guidance was hindering their path to success.

HOW TO SOLVE THIS???????They can consult Library.They can ask their teachers.They can see and learnSenior students excelling in that particular activity can mentor the juniors…those who have no parental support .

Imagine….We selected the last issue…as the children were very eager to help their friends…The students were so excited that they will be labeled as EXPERTS….it raised their self esteem….too.Their talents could be used to make a difference in the lives of others…and not just win PAPER CERTIFICATES & METAL MEDALS……They liked the idea that they would be COACHING their own junior friends.THE BEST PART……They will be training them for Co Curricular activities ( something which they love….and NOT ACADEMICS)

DOThe teacher mentors made a list of student mentors and their students…As a PILOT PROJECT we plan to involve Class VIII students as MENTORS & CLASS I , II & III children as their students…The Mentor Students will keep a track of various competitions and activities…from the School Activity Calendar … and prepare these little ones for the forthcoming Competitions…..so that they compete confidently…and not sit back….with their faces cupped in their hands…..HOW ??????List made….junior students designated to mentors based on their talents…..Two students per mentor..Challenge…WHEN ?? Since most of our students come on bicycles….they have agreed to come early twice a week…to train the little ones….who will come early on MONDAY & FRIDAY.When the senior students have free time..the little ones will be trained.On request some of the parents are also ready to help these students in the evening…….

What an impressive LINE UP….THE MENTORS & THEIR STUDENTS..the BONDING already VISIBLE….

DO…The students regularly spend time with their trainees…..the little ones can be themselves….no fear…as there are NO JUDGEMENTAL ADULTS..Only CHILDREN….WHO ALWAYS ACCEPT YOU AS YOU ARE….The learning is fast….Once they learnt poems…acting…drawing…coloring….these LITTLE TEACHERS…will shift to helping them in their studies….. Instead of wasting their free time…..they rush to their junior students…to make them better.

SINCERE EFFORTS…BY BOTH….MENTORS & STUDENTS…

Tension on the Mentor’s Face…will he ?...won’t he?

ANTICIPATION….WAITING…

HE CAN…..WHAT JOY…THE MENTOR WONDERS…DID I DO THIS?...The Child feels …I CAN!!!!

Learnings…..Leadership…Planning….The satisfaction of doing something….out of passion.Experience the pleasure …of GIVING….Time Management…Understand the moods & habits of their junior friends….Learn to control emotions…specially anger & frustration.Patience…THE BLISS….ONE EXPERIENCES….WHEN YOU SEE THE CONFIDENCE IN THE CHILD WHO THOUGHT …”I CAN’t”……and because of your efforts…now he says ..” I CAN”….

Share :We shred this PROJECT…in the SCHOOL PTM….plan to have it published in the NARMADA BULLETIN……load it on WATSAPP….and like the SHOE STORY….create a blog…mapping the progress of these COMMITTED STUDEN MENTORS…share with other schools of the area….

MENTORS….”GREAT EXPERIENCE “..”WE UNDERSTOOD HOW DIFFICULT IT IS TO TEACH”.. “WE NOW APPRECIATE THE EFFORTS OUR PARENTS PUT IN FOR OUR SUCCESS. ”“I FEEL AS IF I AM TRAINING MY YOUNGER BROTHER.”“ I FELT SOOOOSAD….THEY HAVE NOBODY TO HELP THEM…BUT NOW… “MAIN HO NA!!!!!!”

TEACHERS:….” THERE IS A CHANGE…THEY APPEAR LESS SHY…COMMUNICATION HAS IMPROVED…THEY WAIT FOR THIR MENTORS….THE MENTORS ARE DOING THEIR JOB WITH GREAT SINCERITY….WE ARE IN TOUCH WITH THEM.”