Vikramshila Education Resource Society

Partner From
01/01/2019 - On Going
Vikramshila logo

http://www.vikramshila.org/


Supported by: Wipro Cares

About the organisation

Vikramshila was formed in 1989 with the idea of reaching out to the most marginalized children in India by creating education and life opportunities for them. Our strategic approach is two-pronged – establishing models of quality education on the ground to showcase innovative solutions to educational problems, and simultaneously working with state governments to bring about systemic and sustainable changes. In the last 5 years, Vikramshila has reached out to lakhs of children and teachers. 

 

Location of work

Currently, we are working in 9 states of India – West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Odisha. We realise the importance of contextual solutions and therefore do not apply a one-size-fits-all approach to any of our projects. In all our different geographies and contexts, we try to find customized solutions to challenges related to equity, access, and quality. 

To remain relevant, we make conscious efforts to reinvent ourselves and keep abreast of emerging global trends. National Education Policy (NEP) 2022, with its outcomes-based focus has opened up exciting possibilities of collaboration, innovation and functioning.

 

Updates

Early Childhood Education: this is one of our core areas of expertise where we have been

working since 1989. Recent findings from brain research and several longitudinal studies

have underscored the importance of investing in early years to ensure a better future and

life-long outcomes. Currently, we are working with the state governments of West Bengal,

Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Rajasthan, and would like to expand our operations to other states.

 

Foundational Literacy and Numeracy: the NEP has mentioned this as the gateway skill that prepares the foundation for all future learning. Currently, we are working with the state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Assam and Madhya Pradesh. 

Work with Adolescents: supporting adolescents in hands-on learning of science and mathematics, as well as life skills, financial literacy skills, career guidance, and counselling. We have developed digital training programs and content in all these areas for children.

Naba Disha Program: With assistance from WIPRO, the Naba Disha program was established in 1999 by Vikramshila in collaboration with the Kolkata Police, initially implementing the program in 24 centers across Kolkata and its surrounding areas. The program has since expanded to 10 centers in particularly disadvantaged and underserved communities identified by the police. These centers are located within the police station premises in areas with high crime rates, catering primarily to children from marginalized communities living in slums and squatter colonies within these areas.

The Naba Disha program has successfully created an education model that brings together

the efforts of the local community, government institutions, corporations, and volunteers to

reach out to the most marginalized children. However, the program also aims to change the

parochial mindsets of the community that have neglected the education and well-being of

children, particularly girls. To achieve this, regular programs are conducted to build awareness in the communities. By promoting education and creating awareness within the community, Naba Disha is striving to improve the lives of marginalizesd children and create a brighter future for them.

 

Learning and challenges

▪ Age-appropriate activities are crucial for pre-primary children, and their level of

challenge should increase as they gain exposure to their immediate environment.

▪ Children transitioning to Class I require an extensive school readiness

curriculum, compared to those who have been continuing their education at our

center since pre-primary grades.

▪ Periodic literacy and numeracy camps could be highly beneficial for primary-grade children.

▪ With access to digital content, our teachers are capable of handling secondary-grade students effectively.

 

Plan of action

  • Targeted interventions for improving school readiness among children aged 5-7, with a specific focus on developing foundational literacy and numeracy skills. The program aims to align with the NIPUN Bharat Guidelines and expected learning outcomes while also sensitizing schools and communities.
  • Emphasis on strengthening the social-emotional learning (SEL) component of all activities and program teachers will receive training on SEL, resilience, school readiness, and foundational literacy and numeracy.
  • Focus on the Active Citizenship Education for Adolescents. This will be undertaken to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to be effective leaders in their communities and beyond.
  • Promoting App-Based learning for secondary school students. Children in secondary classes (6 to 10) are provided access to Geneo – a high-quality educational app developed by Schoolnet India with lessons that are aligned with the state curriculum and relevant to students.
  • Establishing community library. 
  • Maintaining a focus on parent groups, developing responsive parenting programs, and supporting them in managing both educational and social-emotional outcomes for children as they return to schools and in the face of potential intermittent closures.