ANNUAL REPORT 2016 - 17
YEAR 34
"CHILDHOOD IS FILLED WITH NATURAL WONDER AND CURIOSITY. THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT MUST REFLECT A CLASSROOM AND OUTDOOR
SPACE THAT INSPIRES A SENSE OF WANTING TO INVESTIGATE, TO FIND OUT AND TO EXPLORE"
Kathy Walker Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I About Grammangal
About Grammangal
Since its founding in 1982, Grammangal’s focus and efforts have been directed at improving the quality of early childhood and primary education. From a modest beginning with running schools for tribal children at Aine (Dahanu Taluka, Palghar District), Grammangal’s programs and teaching-learning methodologies have achieved wider impact by benefiting several thousand children in Wai and Panchgani (Satara District), Sangli, Nandurbar, and outside Maharashtra.
Grammangal’s approach and methodology is based on the established principles of cognitive science, brain-based learning and constructivism.
The student is placed at the centre of the learning process. Teaching-learning methodologies are grounded in the principles of constructivist learning. Children learn on their own through structured experience with the teacher’s main role being that of a facilitator of the learning process. Learning is a joyful experience, holistic, and intimately connected to the local context.
VISION
DEVELOPING AND
PROPAGATING A SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION SYSTEM MISSION To strive for the basic right of every child,
which is, to receive quality education up to the age of 18 on the basis of
▪ Equal Opportunity ▪ Without Discrimination ▪ In a Loving & Caring Environment
With appropriate facilities conducive to learning Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I A Snapshot of Grammangal's Impact in Child Education A SNAPSHOT OF GRAMMANGAL’S IMPACT IN CHILD EDUCATION
SCHOOLS
Palghar Anganwadi Project Impact
GM Schools – Number of Students
200 200
150 150
100 100
50 50
0 0 2015-16 2016-17 2015-16 2016-17
Anutai Wagh Shikshan Kendra Muktasala, Aine Vikramgad
GM Educational Initiatives–Number of Students
150 60
100 45
30
50
15
0 0 2015-16 2016-17 2015-16 2016-17
Learning Home, Pune Vikas Ghar, Wai
Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I About Grammangal CONTENTS
Governance Board of Trustees………………………………………………………………………………………..………...1 Executive Committee ...... 2 Trustee’s Message ...... 4 President’s Message...... 5 Operational Review for 2016-17 Infrastructure...... 6 Organisation Restructuring ...... 6 Programs and Projects ...... 6 Challenges ahead ...... 7 Sincere Acknowledgements ...... 7 Big Leap Forward ...... 8 Felicitating Shri Ramesh Panse ...... 9 Felicitations ...... 10 Grammangal’s Programs ...... 11 Sincere Thanks Dattak Palak Contributors ...... 12 Helping Hands ...... 13 Other Donations ...... 14 Detailed Report Schools ...... 15 Grammangal Muktashala, Aine ...... 15 Anutai Wagh Shikshan Kendra, Vikramgad ...... 16 Learning Home, Pune ...... 17 Vikasghar, Wai ...... 18 School Quality Improvement Sharadabai Pawar Vidyamandir School, Baramati ...... 19 Educational Quality Improvement Program (EQIP) Year 3 of Teacher Capacity Building in PCMC Primary Schools….……………………………………20 Capacity Building of Palghar ZP Primary School Teachers ...... ………………………………………...20 Capacity Building of Palghar District Anganwadi Workers and Helpers.…………………………….21 Arise Whole School Development …...... ………….………………………………………………...... 22 Publications...…….….……………………………………………………….………………………..………………...... 23 Patrons, Supporters Past & Present …………………………………….……………………………………………….24 Looking at 2017–18 and beyond………………………….………….…………………...... 25 Internships ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………26
Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Governance GOVERNANCE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
RAMESH PANSE, FOUNDER TRUSTEE
Ramesh Panse is a pioneer in many ways. A University Professor-turned-voluntary social worker, and now a well-known child-educationist in the State of Maharashtra (India). Prof Panse's major contribution to society has been his efforts at raising awareness, and acceptance of high quality, learner-centric and development-appropriate childhood educational practice in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Goa.
His approach is evidence-based and Prof Panse devotes considerable effort at disseminating current knowledge among all stakeholders—government, educators, parents and students. Perhaps most importantly, Prof Panse has led from the front in the application of theory and principles of child-learning to improve learning levels, and in the development model preschools and primary schools.
AMLA RUIA
Head honcho of the industrial house of Ruia and a social worker, Amla Ruia is the woman who brought water to hundreds of villages in Rajasthan. She is fondly called the 'Water Mother' for the same.
AJIT MANDLIK
A service provider with multiple business interests. He is also committed social work.
RAMESH MANE
Expert in naturopathy and Physiotherapist of the Indian Cricket Team.
ABHIJIT PANSE
Social worker, a poet and artist
1 Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Governance
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DR HEMCHANDRA PRADHAN, PRESIDENT
Dr. Hemachandra Pradhan is a scientist, science educationist and science communicator. He retired as Director, Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, TIFR. Mumbai. Currently he is also the President, Indian Association of physics Teachers.
ARUN P KULKARNI, VICE-PRESIDENT
Former Reader in Economics at Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics. He has an extensive experience in research and consultancy
ATUL THAKAR, SECRETARY, VICE-PRESIDENT OPERATIONS
IIT graduate & socially conscious entrepreneur, Atul has been associated with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) for several years. His firm supplies a range of products used in launch vehicle & satellites.
URMILA KARANDIKAR, TREASURER
Industrialist and social worker. She is extensively involved in the philanthropic projects of the Rotary Club of Pune (West)
ADITI NATU, VICE-PRESIDENT PROJECTS
Smt Natu is an academic expert with contribution towards teaching and training of Grammangal methodology.
2 Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Governance
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
VINOD PANSE Accounts expert
ACHINTYA BAKRE
IT professional working with ‘Infosys’ and the young Turk of the EC
SUCHETA PHADKE
As a Learning Strategist, Ms. Sucheta Phadke has a wide expertise in the field of content design, development and execution of various technology-based training programs. She is passionate about using technology to bridge the gaps in early childhood as well as adult education.
VIJAY LALE
Shri. Vijay Lale is a scientist at Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, TIFR, Mumbai. He is also the coordinator of the Kumar Vishwakosh (Biology and environment) Project of Maharashtra Rajya Vishwakosh Nirmiti Mandal.
SADASHIV KULKARNI
Shri Sadashiv Kulkarni is an artist by both temperament and profession. He is deeply involved in several forms of creative arts – from paintings to even architecture.
3 Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Trustee's Message TRUSTEE’S MESSAGE
Education is a simple and complex process at the same time, which is something that we at Grammangal believe that everyone must understand, and what its objectives must ideally be. Most importantly, we must also know the way young minds must be nurtured.
As Grammangal's activities and projects expanded in 2016-17 to include more schools and teachers, potentially benefiting more children, I am happy to note that our teaching-learning methodologies are gaining acceptance in the school system. For this, I thank all members of the Grammangal family for their efforts.
We are looking forward to another eventful year.
Ramesh Panse
Founder-Trustee
SHRI RAMESH PANSE IS AN IDEOLOGIST PROPAGATING THE IMPORTANCE OF IMPLEMENTING CONSTRUCTIVISM IN THE CLASSROOMS
According to him, following are the 3 premises of Constructivism :
1. Children construct their own knowledge from the experiences they get from their environment 2. Children acquire knowledge through images and symbols 3. Children build these images and symbols through their experiences a. Schools should provide opportunities to children for acquiring knowledge using images and symbols b. Schools should undertake the responsibility to provide learning environment c. Experiences should be based on activities. 'Learning by doing' is the best method. All sensory organs are used together during this process. Children tend to remember integrated images. This is specifically achieved through this process.
4 Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I President's Message
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The last year has been a year of both progress and challenges at Grammangal. At our Aine Campus thanks to the generosity of Lions Club, Juhu a neat school building has come up. Both our Aine and Vikramgad schools received recognition as self-financed schools from Government of Maharashtra. Our major initiative of capacity building of Anganwadi workers and helpers of Palghar District has progressed well. The ongoing novel child education programmes, Learning Home, Vikas Ghars and those at Baramati and in Rajasthan, continued with vigour. So also did the teacher capacity building projects for primary schools at Mulshi, PCMC and PMC, and for Palghar Zilla Parishad schools. Our monthly Shikshanvedh is succeeding in seeking new grounds.
In spite of the momentum and the successes, we are aware that there remain several challenges for Grammangal, especially with respect to secondary school education and professionalization of infrastructure. We have been trying our best to meet the challenges.
This year we felicitated, with great pleasure and pride, our founder Prof. Panse on completion of 75 years. Prof. Panse has been busy giving his 12-day course on constructivist education throughout the state of Maharashtra. It is a unique endeavour so much needed and yet not attempted by any institution so far.
In the coming year, I can say with certainty that, Grammangal with its spirit of dedication and confidence gained through years of experience will continue its progress and remain a beacon in the field of child education.
Dr. H. C. Pradhan
President
Nelson Mandela on Education
“Children of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and education is a
very important tool to prepare children for their future roles as leaders of the community”
5 Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Operational Review for 2016-17
OPERATIONAL REVIEW FOR 2016-17
2016-17 was a landmark year in the history of Grammangal. Many initiatives of the previous year made good progress during this year.
I would like to briefly dwell on each of these achievements and progress and take you through a historic journey.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Lions Club of Juhu offered to construct a new school building at Muktashala, Aine. After much study and an elaborate approval process, which involved many visits by Lions Club members and experts as well as sustainability studies, construction work started on 19th December 2016, Grammangal’s Foundation day, in the presence of Chief Guest Smt Nidhi Choudhari, the CEO of Zilla Parishad, Palghar, in the presence of a team of Lions led by President Paresh Kariya and Riddhish Shah and a large team from Grammangal.
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE Grammangal’s organizational structure is evolving. A management team is now in place that proactively responds to changing needs and new challenges. Difficulties encountered are being addressed with suitable corrective & preventive measures for improved working.
PROGRAMS & PROJECTS
Both Aine and Vikramgad schools have received government recognition as self-financed schools. Our focus is now on quality improvement of student learning. A school academic committee has been constituted. Its mandate is to guide the schools to the next level. I am confident that the results will be visible very soon. Grammangal’s educational quality improvement programs & projects remain the thrust areas for propagation of our learning methods for the benefit of more and more young learners. I am happy to report that there has been a substantial increase in number of students who have benefited, and that the prospects of sustaining the momentum are bright. We are thankful to our CSR partners for making many of these projects possible and successful. Kudos to our project team, which took our training program to a new scale. Currently Grammangal can simultaneously train over 400 or more teachers at multiple locations with 100 in each location. An exponential progression from the 25 to 30 teachers being trained at a time, till recently.
ON GOING PROJECTS Our projects at PCMC, Baramati and Mulshi continue as before with changing objectives as per progress of the program. About 4000 to 5000 children get benefit from this initiative.
In addition, we added 10 ZP schools in Shirur Tal, and an upper primary school program for PMC schools, to this program. Over some 1000 children will benefit from this initiative.
We also added a major initiative of nearly 1000 anganwadi’s in Palghar and Vasai talukas for introducing pre-school education in the anganwadis for the children, which was overlooked because of the focus on nutrition and health. We expect that about 30000 pre-school children will be positively impacted in this initiative.
6 Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Operational Review for 2016-17
The Vikas Ghar program at Wai, Panchgani & Mahaballeshwar grew to 53 Vikas Ghars this year, benefiting over 1500 children.
Grammangal remains committed to working with the Government of Maharashtra in its Pragat Shaikshanik Maharashtra program for improving the quality of education in government schools through teacher training. Although our teacher training project has been well received, due to lack of financial support from the government or CSR initiatives, progress has been slow. So far, we have provided training to over 1000 ZP primary school teachers in Palghar district. Potentially, about 30,000 primary school children are expected to benefit.
Our journey continues. Given our increasing reach and the growing number of beneficiary teachers, it is also our endeavor to achieve a critical mass of schools, teachers and students so that the changes and improvements become self-sustaining that constructivist teaching-learning methodologies are imbibed in the system.
CHALLENGES AHEAD
Challenges are inevitable and they are powerful learning experiences. • Infrastructure and training centres at all 3 locations are being planned. The one in Aine is due to be completed in the next year itself as it has served as a nodal resource centre for training. In addition, we are looking at feasibility of having training centres at Vikramgad and Pune to meet the increasing demand for teacher capacity building. • The schools’ infrastructure is constantly being upgraded and new facilities need to be added. • Funding for certain projects and schools is an area of concern. • We need the whole-hearted support of the system which is necessary for successful implementation. • A major attempt is required to make Grammangal a household name in the field of child education. • One of the new approaches we are finalizing is an external agency evaluation of our programs and projects which will help provide better inputs for course correction and reporting to partners. A suitable agency has been identified for this purpose.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
On behalf of Grammangal I would like to express sincere thanks and gratitude to our individual and corporate donors, CSR partners, and well-wishers.
I would also like to thank every member of the Grammangal family for their untiring efforts to take Grammangal forward at a rapid pace, with new achievements of scaling. This gives us confidence to take it to the next level of scale.
To conclude, I continue to share the vision that Grammangal exists to make an impact on the educational landscape to change the face of education in Maharashtra and India. Our focus will continue on Programs and Projects which will deliver maximum impact on children’s learning outcomes & by improving the system for sustainability.
Atul Thakar Secretary Vice President Operations
7
Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Big Leap Forward A BIG LEAP FORWARD FOR GRAMMANGAL
LIONS CLUB OF JUHU, BHOOMI PUJAN AT AINE, MUKTASHALA
Prof Panse would often say, 'Do what needs to be done even if it seems difficult in the beginning. People will come forward to help”. His optimism and belief in the goodness of people was often proved right.
For long it was our dream to provide the students of Muktashala with more space and better facilities. That dream will soon be realized, thanks to the generous funding made available by Lions International, Juhu Chapter.
The bhoomi poojan for the new school building for Muktashala was performed on that day. When completed, it will have spacious classrooms and science laboratories.
Thank You, Lions !
PROPOSED DESIGN FOR THE NEW SCHOOL BUILDING
8 Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Felicitating Shri Ramesh Panse FELICITATING SHRI RAMESH PANSE
Shri Panse completed 75 years in 2016. This milestone was sufficient reason for a celebration, and to recall his sterling contributions to the cause of child education and the many ways in which he touched people’s lives. Shri Panse, co-founder of Grammangal with late Padmashri Anutai Wagh, nurtured the organization through its years of struggle to make its message heard. Grammangal owes its present position of pre- eminence in the field of elementary education to Shri Panse’s efforts.
The Grammangal family, friends and well- wishers, past students got together at Aine on December 19, 2016. It was an occasion to go down memory lane, recalling the ‘start-up’ years of challenges, hardship and worry, success and tears, encouragement and scepticism – all in equal measure. Many of those present shared their experiences in Grammangal and the various ways in which Shri Panse became a part of their lives.
Shri Panse has been a friend, teacher, mentor and guide to each one of us. We wish him many, many years of good health and happiness !
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on the role of Educationists
“Educationists should build the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial and moral leadership among students and become their role model”
9 Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Felicitations
FELICITATING THEIR LONG ASSOCIATION WITH GRAMMANGAL
A big thank you for your 20-year plus association with Grammangal
Sushama Padhye Aditi Natu Shantaram Themka
Shyamkant Sonawane Sangita Themka Amit Ebhad
Pramila Sonawane Yogita Bhamre Suman Kokani
Growing up together....
Working together...
Succeeding together
10 Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Grammangal's Programs
GRAMMANGAL’S PROGRAMS
Education’s potential to transform society is universally acknowledged and many nations have made education a fundamental human right. In India, the Right to Education Act was enacted in 2009, which guarantees quality elementary
education to all children up to the age of fourteen years. The National Curriculum Framework of 2005 recommended learner-centric methodologies to make education a stress-free and joyful experience, and enable students to be lifelong learners. Grammangal has been practicing such a methodology since 1982.
PUBLICATIONS SCHOOL QUALITY IMPROVEMENT Grammangal publishes Shikshanvedh, a Grammangal works with schools to monthly magazine dedicated to disseminating improve the environment, and guide information and knowledge about the teachers to implement learner-centric education and learning-friendly teaching- teaching-learning methodologies with the learning practices. The magazine features scholarly articles by experts and eminent overall objective of improving learning persons in the field of education levels of the students
SCHOOLS Grammangal’s schools provide a joyful, child-centric environment in which students are provided diverse learning experiences. Grammangal Muktashala, Aine (Dahanu Taluka, Palghar District) Padmashri Anutai School,Vikramgad (Vikramgad Taluka, Palghar Distict) Learning Home, Pune Learning Home, Wai The schools also serve as learning laboratories for the organization in the quest to develop, test and validate improved methodologies that will improve students’ learning.
BALWADIS Rachanavadi Shikshan Pranali (PRESCHOOL) AT AINE, SUKAPADA, NAIKPADA Grammangal conducts Abhyasvargas (Workshops/Seminars), led by Shri Panse, Grammangal’s Balwadis focus on developing the motor, social and cognitive skills of childre on n in the age group 3 to 6 years “Constructivist Teaching Methods” to prepare them for formal schooling
11
Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Sincere Thanks
DATTAK PALAK CONTRIBUTORS
Our school in Aine offers education to the tribal students free of cost. The expense incurred are raised through various donations schemes. One of the schemes is Dattak Palak Yojana (Foster Parent Scheme) where willing individuals make a monetary donation that takes care of Tuition Fees of a child for the entire academic year. The scheme is not just restricted to monetary transactions. Parents are updated with regular progress report of the child and mutual interactions at personal lever are encouraged by us. Grammangal is grateful to all these parents for their generous contribution
Parents who contributed by adopting more than a single child
AMBARISH SATHE SANDESH LAD
KETAN DAMALE VINOD DESAI
PARAG JOGLEKAR PRITI RAO
TRUPTI PRABHUNE NANDKISHORE NERE
SADANAND BORASE ROHINI DAMLE
KSHITIJA KOLAGE RAHUL SUBHEDAR
Other foster Parents
AMRUTA GANDHE SUNITA KHEDEKAR RIDDHISH SHAH
KHUSHAL DHONDE KSHITIJ PANDE MIHIR THAKAR
KISHOR LULLA MANSI AAPTE USHA NAYAK
MEETA NAGESHKAR MUGDHA PRAKASH VAISHNAVI DESAI
SARIKA DANDWATE MADHURA DAMALE SANJIV ARORA
SATISH NATU YOGENDRA PATIL VAISHNAVI DESAI
12
Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Helping Hands
OUR SINCERE THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT
Grammangal believes that every member of society must participate in social endeavours. We encourage and welcome people to work with us and provide support in any way that they can, and make the experience a mutually satisfying one.
As in the past, in 2016-17 too, Grammangal was generously helped and supported by people from all walks of life. The support has come in various ways – individual donations, grants in aid from various organizations, donations in kind, and from people who helped when needed. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to the cause of education and their association with us.
DONATIONS
63 individual donors contributed to Grammangal a total of Rs 26,67,294.00, besides corporate donors and CSR Grants, enabling our efforts of child-centric education in our schools.
ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT
The following organizations provided financial support in the form of grants-in-aid for our Quality Improvement programs and projects.
1. Agricultural Development Trust 2. DHFL 3. Edelgive Foundation 4. FIAT 5. Lions Club of Juhu 6. MAPRO 7. Pune City Connect 8. Tech Mahindra Foundation
To the Lions Club of Juhu, without whose generosity and wholehearted support, the new school building at Muktashala, Aine, would not have happened
AN APPEAL
There is much more to be done. Education is not just about teaching and grades; it is also about enabling young people to grow as responsible and productive members of society. Grammangal wants to develop the school infrastructure in Aine and Vikramgad to be able to provide the best for the students. We depend on your support and help in this endeavour.
“The goal of education is not to increase the amount of knowledge but to create the possibilities for a child to invent and discover, to create men who are capable of doing new things.”
Jean Piaget, Philosopher & Psychologist
13 Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Sincere Thanks
OTHER DONATIONS
Donated Donated Donor Donor Amount Amount Amol Sarmalkar ₹ 11,63,500.00 Sharad Wagle ₹ 10,000.00 Link Telecom Pvt. LTd. ₹ 2,50,000.00 Khushal Nandkumar Dhonde ₹ 10,000.00 Abha Vishwas Jeurkar ₹ 1,50,000.00 Urmila Karandikar ₹ 10,000.00 Vijay Broker ₹ 1,00,000.00 Sanjiv Vinayak Natu ₹ 10,000.00 Archana Khaitan Foundation ₹ 1,00,000.00 Rajaram Anant Desai Memorial Trust ₹ 10,000.00 Rajesh Panchamiya ₹ 1,00,000.00 Hemant D Dhanderphale ₹ 5,000.00 Iravati Bhaskar Modak ₹ 1,00,000.00 Pratibha Vijay Divekar ₹ 5,000.00 Sadanand Borse ₹ 50,000.00 Neha Sheth (Kulkarni) ₹ 5,000.00 Atul Thakar ₹ 45,000.00 Chittaranjan B Deo ₹ 5,000.00 Vinod Suryakant Desai ₹ 40,000.00 Vaishnavi Vinod Desai ₹ 5,000.00 Shree Pant Amatya ₹ 35,000.00 Mihir Thakar ₹ 5,000.00 Prasad Kale ₹ 32,500.00 Sanjeev Arora ₹ 5,000.00 C’Cure Building Solutions,Goa ₹ 30,000.00 Poligan ₹ 5,000.00 N.G.Bhosale Charitabal Trust ₹ 25,000.00 Riddhish Shah ₹ 5,000.00 Amrut Vinayak Kulkarni ₹ 25,000.00 Ravindra B. Joshi ₹ 2,500.00 Nandkishor Nere ₹ 25,000.00 Vijay Bhate ₹ 2,001.00 Trupti Prabhune ₹ 24,000.00 Megha Jayant Subhedar ₹ 2,000.00 Prof. Priti Rao ₹ 24,000.00 Sushama Milind Padye ₹ 1,075.00 Parwatibai Abhyankar Charitable Trust ₹ 21,000.00 Dhanshree Pratisthan ₹ 1,000.00 Gajanan P.Varde ₹ 21,000.00 Smita Jayant Joshi ₹ 1,000.00 Sanjivani Surgicals ₹ 21,000.00 Swati Mehendale ₹ 1,000.00 Padmanabh P Lele ₹ 20,000.00 Umesh Mali ₹1,000.00 Ambarish Sathe ₹ 20,000.00 Auradha Kale ₹ 1,000.00 Kamal D. Ambeskar ₹ 20,000.00 Jyoti Ram Gaikwad ₹ 1,000.00 Anonymous from Mumbai ₹ 17,000.00 Sangita Patil ₹ 1,000.00 Rohini Sachin Damle ₹ 17,000.00 Kavita Pawar ₹ 1,000.00 Sachin Vinayak Damle ₹ 16,000.00 Jyotsna Bhave ₹ 1,000.00 Nikhil Jayant Shrotri ₹ 14,607.00 Satyajit Godbole ₹ 1,000.00 Invotech ₹ 12,000.00 Mangal Natu ₹ 500.00 Amit Lulla ₹ 12,000.00 Yogita Bhamre ₹ 500.00 Sarika Yogesh Dandavate ₹ 12,000.00 Lakhani Classes ₹ 11,111.00
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Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Detailed Report
DETAILED REPORT FROM PROGRAM/PROJECT HEADS
SCHOOLS
MUKTASHALA, AINE
As in the previous years, Muktashala was the nerve centre for Grammangal’s various activities and projects. Besides the regular school activities, Muktashala was also the model for training workshops, and a must-visit destination for the many who wanted to see for themselves the effectiveness of Grammangal’s teaching- learning methodologies. But 2016-17 will be remembered as the year during which, a long-cherished desire began to take concrete shape—construction of the new school building began on December 19, 2016.
The school year began with 85 students on the rolls and by the end of the year there were 170 students. A parent-teacher meeting was held on June 29, 2016 during which a Parents’ committee was formed. A separate meeting was conducted with the parents of the students of classes 8 and 9
This year, the students of classes 6 and 7 interacted with doctors and nurses and learned about their work. Interactions with professionals, such as this one, help students gain better understanding of people who serve us — and respect for them
Independence and Republic days were celebrated with cultural programs
• A children’s parliament was formed to encourage discussion among students. the topics are chosen by the students. This year the students discussed Tarabai Modak and Anutai Wagh
• Teachers from various training programs being conducted by Grammangal visited Muktashala to observe our methods and practices and gain a first-hand understanding
• The students of Muktashala went on a picnic to Sakhra Dam
• For both teachers and the students, the highpoint of the year was a four-day trip to Mahabaleshwar. En route, they stopped at Shivthargad, Raigad, and Pratapgad, alongwith a short trip to Wai
• We at Muktashala also wish to thank our large number of supporters and well-wishers who helped us in various ways— providing for uniforms, arranging special lessons in maths and science, books and learning material, organizing special programs hosting lunch and snacks on special occasions, and more
With our new school building becoming operational in 2017-18, we look forward to a brighter future.
15
Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Detailed Report
ANUTAI WAGH SHIKSHAN KENDRA, VIKRAMGAD
(TALUKA VIKRAMGAD, DISTRICT PALGHAR)
Vikramgad school has recently received recognition for secondary section from Government under the unaided category. This arrangement allows us to practice constructivist methods in the classrooms without the operational restrictions that come along with Government aid.
Looking back, there are many events that will be remembered for various reasons—enthusiastic participation and response, and the rich learning experiences they provide.
Special mention must be made of a few events:
World Yoga Day in our school on June 21, 2016
Tree Plantation drive in which 305 trees were planted with the participation of students and their parents, teachers, and forest department officials.
Eid-ul-Fitr, an occasion to reaffirm the brotherhood of mankind. The students also made the traditional dish, shirkurma.
A visit to an idol-making workshop during which the students interacted with the master sculptor and the artisans
Remembered Lokmanya Thilak's services to the cause of India'a independence on his death anniversary
At a Taluka-level handwriting competition, Vrutik Morgha and Kasturi Darbal respectively won the second and third prizes
A trip to the Union Territory of Dadra Nagar and Haveli. The children visited the dam, deer park, cricket stadium, and went on a lion safari.
Teacher Training
• Two teachers received training in school administration at Palkar School, Pune
• Leap for Word (Mumbai) provided training in English language teaching to one of our teachers
• Seven teachers attended a seminar at Prakash Amte's Anandvan (Chandrapur District)
16 Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Detailed Report
LEARNING HOME, PUNE
Grammangal is happy to report a steady increase in student
enrolments at Learning Home. There is also an increasing trend in the
number of inquiries for admissions most of which are through parent
referrals. We see this as a strong sign of growing interest in
Grammangal’s approach methodologies.
This year also was packed with activities and events that not only
helped the students to learn, but also kept them connected to their
surroundings. We celebrated festivals, anniversaries and events with the usual enthusiasm:
A fancy-dress competition with discarded clothes RICE PLANTATION Ashadi Ekadashi in which the students carried their books in a palkhi underscoring the message that we must treat our books with respect and care
Making clay models of Lord Ganesha
Making Rakhis with material sourced from the tribals of Melghat
Diwali and Christmas
Making kites and flying them on Sankranti DAHI HANDI
Flag-hoisting on Independence and Republic Days, and many more
The much-awaited trip to Aine school for two days of fun, play and some learning with their peers.
As part of their education, the students visited Fergusson College, Bhandarkar Institute, the Film Institute, and a paper mill. They made a trip to the ‘Bharatpur of Maharashtra’, Bhigwan, and were delighted
to see flamingos in such large numbers. The students also visited BHIGWAN TRIP : FLAMINGO SIGHTING Rupesh dada’s farm and experienced rural life, planting rice saplings and participating in other farm activities.
Other child-centred events, which have become a tradition in Learning Home – 'Bal-din' (Children’s Day), 'Bal-jatra' (Children’s Fair), and 'Bal-nagari' (Children’s Republic) – were also conducted with enthusiasm and full participation of students and teachers, and the support of parents.
LEARNING HOME 2016-17
17 Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Detailed Report
VIKASGHAR, WAI
In 2016-17, the number of Vikas Ghars increased from 33 to 53 and the number of students from 1277 to 2038. We have received requests from the community to start 20 more. At Grammangal, we see this trend as a strong sign of increased awareness of the benefits of our constructivist-based methods of teaching learning.
As in the previous years, 2016-17 was also filled with activity.
New teachers were trained, an exhibition of books was organized for teachers, and there were regular visits by ZP education officials, who wanted to see first-hand the changes that Vikas Ghars brought in the children.
The changes are visible. Activities have made learning fun. Group learning has improved student to student bond.
Most children in Vikas Ghar have become independent learners and enjoy gathering information on their own. Teacher-student bonds have also become stronger.
The resulting improvement in academic performance at school was appreciated by parents, teachers and school managements alike. As they say, nothing succeeds like success. We are looking forward to an even more enriching Vikas Ghar experience in the coming years.
The resulting improvement in academic performance at school was appreciated by parents, teachers and school managements alike. As they say, nothing succeeds like success. We are looking forward to an even more enriching Vikas Ghar experience in the coming years.
18 Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I About Grammangal
SCHOOL QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
SHARADABAI PAWAR VIDYAMANDIR SCHOOL, BARAMATI
We have made classrooms into spaces for fun and learning. One of the first things that we did was to remove students’ desks and other non- essential furniture so that the pupils are able to move about freely. We then removed posters and display material that the student couldn’t relate to and, in their place, put displays of what the students did – their artwork, essays, reflections and just about anything that the students learnt and wanted to share with their friends. Teaching-learning materials are also now within easy reach of the student. Learning has become more autonomous. The students spend a lot of time learning in groups and teachers are able to give more attention to students who need it.
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Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Detailed Report GM’s Educational Quality Improvement Program (EQIP)
YEAR 3 OF TEACHER CAPACITY BUILDING IN PCMC PRIMARY SCHOOLS
We completed three years of working with the primary school teachers of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. It has been a satisfying experience. 127 teachers of primary classes from 27 PCMC schools were trained in Grammangal’s methodologies and provided implementation support. Most teachers have reported positive changes - improved attendance and discipline, greater classroom participation and autonomous learning. Children are learning in groups, and at a pace they are comfortable with. Today, there is greater bonding between teacher and student. There is less stress on ‘silence and remaining at their seats’. Instead, classrooms are beehives of activity. The positive effects are felt in the students' home also.
CAPACITY BUILDING OF PALGHAR ZP PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
This project is a Grammangal initiative and has not received any funding support Program Commenced in 2015
Direct Beneficiaries till date: About 1000 primary school teachers of Palghar ZP Schools Impact Potential for 2016-17: About 35,000 school children
Grammangal’s engagement continued in 2016-17. An additional 600 teachers received training. So far, we have trained about 1000 primary school teachers of Palghar ZP schools in constructivist methods.
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Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Detailed Report
CAPACITY BUILDING OF PALGHAR DISTRICT ANGANWADI WORKERS AND HELPERS
CSR Partner: DHFL
Program Commenced in 2016
Direct Beneficiaries: 990 Anganwadi Workers and 800
Anganwadi Helpers
Impact Potential: About 50,000 pre-school children
The first year of our engagement with the Anganwadis resulted positive changes, as the responses show. There has been substantial change in the attitudes and motivational levels of the AWWs. Supervisor visits reported lively classrooms and close bands between teacher and students. The children play, sing and dance. In fact they look forward to the school day. In fact, some of them have become vocal ambassadors of change.
Grammangal is happy to report that more than 850 Anganwadis will be joining the project in 2017-18. We are looking forward to another rewarding and eventful year.
Palghar Anganwadi Project Impact
21 Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Detailed Report
ARISE WHOLE SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT
CSR Partner: Tech Mahindra Foundation
Program Commenced in 2016
ARISE (All-Round Improvement in School Education) is a whole school development program supported by Tech Mahindra Foundation. Presently, it covers 52 schools from various parts of India. Grammangal is working with eight Pune Zilla Parishad Schools in Mulshi Taluka of Pune. Our engagement in the ARISE program is at two levels:
Training and Capacity Building of the teachers, and providing them with the required academic inputs for implementing learner- centric classroom practices.
Training of Supervisors from other organizations (Nari Samta Manch, Urmi and Akshar) working on other aspects of school transformation. These supervisors will observe and mentor the teachers as they implement Grammangal's teaching-learning methodolgies in their classrooms.
In 2016-17, 28 teachers and 11 supervisors received training. I am happy to report that their participation was enthusiastic and wholehearted. Most teachers, who implemented Grammangal's constructivist-based methodologies post-training, had many positive experiences to share.
Classroom arrangements were changed to provide more space to facilitate movement and group learning. They said that their students are eager to attend school and are more active in class. Teacher- student relationships have also improved.
Grammangal is confident that the changes will be sustained and that other schools will also be motivated to change their practices.
TRAINING OF SHIKSHAK SAHAYOGIS (TEACHER-TRAINERS) OF PMC SCHOOLS
CSR Partner: Pune City Connect Program Commenced in 2016 Direct Beneficiaries: 52 Shikshak Sahayogis (Teacher Trainers) Impact Potential: The Shikshak Sahayogis will progressively impart training to about 2000 teachers of PMC – run schools who in turn will be expected to implement Grammangal's teaching-learning practices.
Training of Shikshak Sahayogi is a train-the-trainer project. Grammangal is training fifty-two trainer- mentors from a group, known as the Shikshak Sahayogi Dal, to develop the skills and mindsets for training teachers of PMC schools to implement learner-friendly and constructivist-based classroom practices. The project began in 2016-17 and Grammangal is involved in training and monitoring for the Sahyogis.
There was good participation and most Sahayogis expressed their happiness with training program. Most of them who implemented Grammangal methods reported the ease with which their students learned.
22 Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Publications PUBLICATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL AIDS
SHIKSHANVEDH
The Print media has retained its
relevance even in this digital age. It is effective in conveying the desired messages to a wide audience. To promote and
propagate principles of scientific education and its practice, Grammangal publishes a monthly magazine in Marathi, ‘Shikshanvedh’.
‘Shikshanvedh’, in print for six years, is an attempt to engage with the wider community and forge a path for fundamental transformation in
the way we help our children learn. Shikshanvedh seeks to promote solution-oriented discussions and debate. ‘Shikshanvedh’ includes
perspectives of experts and SHIKSHANVEDH practioners in the field of education, and takes a 360 degree view of contemporary issues and demands.
Grammangal’s GRAMMANGAL’S Teaching-Learning Material TEACHING-LEARNING MATERIAL
Teaching-learning materials
facilitate the learning process. Use of teaching-learning materials in the appropriate manner motivates the
learner and increases his/her involvement in the learning process, relieves boredom and provides an interactive experience.
In primary and pre-primary education, children can learn abstract concepts by using
concrete material like teaching aids. Also, with the help of teaching aids, children enjoy learning without any stress.
Grammangal has developed a wide range of low-cost teaching- learning materials that teachers can use in their classrooms to develop the cognitive, language and math skills of their students to the level appropriate for their age and learning abilities.
Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Patrons/Supporters: Past & Present
PATRONS/SUPPORTERS: PAST & PRESENT
Aakar Charitable Trust ABIL Agriculture Development Trust DHFL Edelgive Foundation Lions Club of Juhu Loksatta Initiative (Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada) Maharashtra Foundation MAPRO Sir Ratan Tata Trust Shree Ramkrishna Charitable Trust (Fleetguard) Tech Mahindra Foundation UNICEF Vivek Sawant, Managing Director, MKCL Volkswagen
GLOBAL CSR AWARD
The above supporters enabled Grammangal to carry out some excellent activities resulting in the NGO Leadership Award from the World CSR Congress
In the picture are Executive Committee members of Grammangal. From right to left - Dr. Hemachandra Pradhan, President, Smt. Aditi Natu, VP Projects and Shri Atul Thakar, Secretary and VP Operations
24 Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Looking at 2017-18 and beyond
LOOKING AT 2017-18 AND BEYOND
The year 2017-18 holds considerable promise for extending Grammangal’s outreach activities:
▪ In March 2017, Grammangal entered into an agreement with FIAT India Limited for CSR support to train teachers from Zilla Parishad schools in Shirur Taluka. Training will commence in the Academic Year 2017-18.
▪ Teacher Capacity Building Project in PCMC Schools will enter its fourth year with more schools and teachers. Program will be supported by the Tech Mahindra Foundation.
▪ The Palghar Anganwadi program, with the support of DHFL, will expand to include two more talukas - Dahanu and Talasari. About 1800 more Anganwadi Workers and Helpers will receive training.
▪ More Teachers from Palghar ZP primary schools will be trained in the Palghar project under The Pragat Shaikshanik Maharashtra program. The project will eventually cover all 2240 ZP schools. ▪ Grammangal is searching for CSR support for this major and impact-making project for child education in the tribal belt.
Several organization and potential beneficiaries have shown interest in Grammangal's methods. We are optimistic that most of these will result in projects and take us a few steps closer to our goal - quality education for every child.
Rabindranath Tagore on the role of Teachers
Tagore gave an important place to teachers and asked them to carry out the following activities:
1. Believing in purity and his own experiences, innocence of child, the teacher should behave with him with great love, affection and sympathy 2. Instead of emphasising on book learning, the teacher should provide conducive environment to the child so that he engages himself in useful and constructive activities and learn by his own experiences 3. The teacher should always be busy with motivating the
creative capacities of the children so that they remain
busy with constructive activities and experience 4. Education can be successfully imparted by understanding childhood and giving oneself totally in love and union with it
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Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Internships INTERNSHIPS – LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG ADULTS
MUKTASHALA
This year also, students of social work from various Swedish institutes spent a few days at Aine. This is a part of their month-long study tour of India, which is expected to sensitize students from developed societies to the conditions, needs and issues in less-developed communities. During their stay in Aine, they spent time with tribal families and observed our schools. Evelena Lenehard
Internships
Three students from Tata Institute of Social Sciences,
Guwahati, did a one-month internship at the Aine
campus.
“…I want to say is thank you for giving me this opportunity to work with Grammangal. It became close to my heart. All the moments spent there were special. I never thought that, within one month, I would meet such wonderful people. Indeed, it was a lifetime experience of learning and appreciating life. The entire journey touched me. I would very much like to come back to Grammangal and do something for the community.
Thank you so much, Tai. Thank you”
- Anushree, a student of Tata Institute of Social Science, Guwahati, who interned with Grammangal (Aine)
Grammangal thanks one and all - partners, associates, friends, students, well-wishers- for being a part of this wonderful journey.
26 Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I About Grammangal
ABOUT GRAMMANGAL
GRAMMANGAL HAS A PRESENCE IN IN VARIOUS PARTS OF MAHARASHTRA. IN THE THREE DECADES OF ITS EXISTENCE, THROUGH ITS VARIOUS PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS GRAMMANGAL HAS GAINED RECOGNITION AS A SIGNIFICANT INSTITUTE FOR EXPERIMENTATION IN EDUCATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, TESTING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF TEACHING-LEARNING METHODOLOGIES AND PRACTICES.
GRAMMANGAL HAS ESTABLISHED BALWADIS, SCHOOLS AND VIKAS GHARS AT PALGHAR, PUNE AND SATARA DISTRICTS IN MAHARASHTRA. GRAMMANGAL ALSO PROVIDES TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMS AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL SERVICES.
Contact Information
Head Office: Gandhi Bhavan, Next to Poona Blind Girls School, Kothrud, Pune 411038 Phone Number : +91 20 2538 6687
Aine: Snehnagari, Post. Aine, Tehsil-Dahanu, District- Palghar 401404
Vikramgad: Anutaai Wagh Shikshan Kendra, Vikramgad, District-Palghar 401404
Email Id: [email protected]
Website: www.grammangal.org
Grammangal is registered under the Societies Registrations Act, 1860 Registration Number MAHA/1142/THANE Registration Date 20 March 1984
PAN AAATG2138D
Trust Number F-1045
Donation to the trust is exempted u/s 80G of the IT Act 1961 vide CBDT Circular Number 7/2010 dt. 27/10/2010