#behindeverystep

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Veeranna Madiwalar - Behind Every Step

Veeranna Madiwalar, a 39-year-old, has turned Nidagundi Ambedkar School in Vijayapur, Karnataka, from a run-down place into a lively, engaging space for learning. With its colorful walls, updated facilities, and a library full of picture books and multimedia resources, the school now attracts more village children, boosting its enrollment from 76 to 136 students. Veeranna emphasized that it took a team to bring about this remarkable transformation, resulting in a school where the children genuinely enjoy studying.

Growing up in a financially struggling family, Veeranna was determined to improve education for future generations. Supported by his uncle during his early education, Veeranna read about Rabindranath Tagore – a source of inspiration that drove him to work towards his goals. He took up multiple jobs to fund his higher education. Eventually, he completed a Diploma in Education, worked at an NGO for lake and wildlife rejuvenation, and pursued a master's degree in English and Kannada, all while saving money from his various earnings. In 2007, Veeranna fulfilled his long-held dream of becoming a government school teacher.

When Veeranna took over as the headmaster of Nidagundi Ambedkar School in 2016, he kick-started a transformational journey using his own savings. He started by greening the school and renovating the crumbling infrastructure. Recognizing the need for more financial support, he leveraged social media to raise funds by sharing his efforts, resulting in much-needed assistance. Thanks to his initiative, he sought donations to build new bathrooms, repair furniture, and acquire new ones. Generous contributions from supporters even helped establish a language lab equipped with visual aids and resources for studying English and Kannada.

Veeranna firmly believes in living his dreams through the success of his students, marking his story as one of devotion, resilience, and impactful transformation.

Source: The Better India

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At 53, Alice Thomas established Udhavi Karangal, an organization dedicated to rehabilitating underprivileged children, including those from tribal communities, orphans, and street-dwellers. One impactful example is Subash, a former beggar whose life she transformed, who is now employed as an engineer in an MNC. Since founding Udhavi Karangal in 1991, Alice has positively impacted over 150 children, operating a primary school, boys' and girls' homes, and a girls' observation home in Puducherry.

This inspiring journey began when Alice was just 21 and decided to help a begging boy by offering him food and education, which led her to find her life's calling. The boy was the first of many children Alice would go on to help, transforming them from ragpickers to educated individuals. Alice, who had been interested in social work since her teenage years, took the initial step by enrolling these children in schools, providing vocational training, and gradually establishing her primary school. Today, thanks to her and her NGO Udhavi Karangal, they can support these children till post-graduation.

In the earlier days, Alice Thomas faced challenges in bringing children to her organization, but with changing government policies and rising awareness, the process has eased in recent years. However, Alice admits that reaching out to children from tribal communities still poses difficulties. To counter this, she provides home-schooling options for uncooperative families and focuses on children put into labor work.

Alice's dedication is such that she and her husband chose not to have biological children, considering the ones they serve as their own. The children she supports attest to her significant positive influence on their lives. Her greatest accomplishment is seeing her mentees thrive in various fields and inspire the next generation.

Alice Thomas's life encompasses an endearing tale of grit, resilience, and whole-hearted service for the betterment of society.

Source: The Better India

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Meet Lata Satagopan, a 72-year-old inspiring storyteller who has devoted her life to revolutionizing education with puppetry🎭

She has spent 37 years dedicated to innovative and socially relevant puppet-making, training educators, and conducting workshops in India and abroad. Lata's thematic puppet shows combine 'theatre in education' with storytelling and scriptwriting to revive the art of puppetry, for which she received a state award. As an English teacher, Lata used her love of drama and literature to innovate her teaching approach.

In 1986, she attended a 45-day puppetry training program organized by NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training), which marked a turning point in her career. Since then, she has become a resource person for the Department of Education and collaborated with other puppeteers.

Puppetry helps improve children's communication, literacy, motor skills, socialization, and creative thinking. It makes learning more engaging by tapping into the 'inner child' and promoting observation skills through visualization, movement, and language development.

The National Education Policy 2020 encourages experiential learning and has implemented a toy-based pedagogy for children aged 3 to 18. Puppetry is now recognized as an educational tool alongside blocks, puzzles, masks, and sand art.

Lata is optimistic about puppetry's inclusion in the BEd curriculum and uses it to teach subjects like English, mathematics, sciences, and social studies.

Her performances, covering themes such as personal hygiene, community living, and environmental messages, involve children in scriptwriting and adaptation. In her interactive performances, Lata specializes in glove puppets, combining songs with storytelling. She aims to popularize the art form, honor Karnataka's culture, and inspire future puppeteers through her passion for puppetry.

Source: The Better India

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At the Lumding Learning Centre in Assam, tribal children engage in daily activities like reading and listening to village elders' stories. The center also provides meals and shelter for mothers affected by domestic violence. Led by Ananya Paul Dodmani, founder of Tribal Connect, this center is one of 160 across Northeast India, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Goa, empowering indigenous communities.

Ananya's journey began in school, noticing disparities between her and her tribal friends' lifestyles. In 8th grade, she became more aware of her privileges when many friends didn't return after summer break due to malaria. An incident involving a tribal woman being deceived by a shopkeeper inspired Ananya to teach basic skills like recognizing money and reading bus numbers.

She started by teaching local kids in an empty school space, soon joined by classmates. They traveled across Northeast India, raising funds through cultural events and sports. In college, Ananya encouraged professors to include these children in exchange programs.

A life-changing incident solidified her commitment to tribal upliftment. Recognizing the need for greater impact, she established her first learning center in the village where her father had been kidnapped. With limited resources, she shared her vision with the village headman. Despite skepticism, she began teaching five children under a banyan tree in 2003.

Today, over 160 learning centers across India follow this approach, with the organization formally established in 2019. Ananya's story embodies courage and determination as she works tirelessly to uplift and empower marginalized indigenous communities. Today, her impact is felt in the lives of countless children who now have access to education and a brighter future.

Source: The Better India

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Behind Every Step- Police Constable Than Singh

Born in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Than Singh grew up in Delhi's slums with his two siblings. While young Than sold corn on the streets, his father ironed clothes for a living. Despite this, he valued education and studied at a school with a fee of Rs 3. Aspiring to fulfill his father's dream of becoming a police officer, Than juggled work and studies, eventually joining the Delhi Police as a constable in 2010 after two attempts.

In 2013, Than Singh was disturbed by children working odd jobs near the Red Fort due to their parents' lack of resources. He noticed some kids consuming gutka and following the wrong path. Determined to help, he sought ways to ensure they could focus on education.

Recognizing the difficulties in enrolling these children in schools, he started Than Singh Ki Pathshala in 2015, a unique school offering free education to underprivileged children.

Starting with just four students, Than Singh now teaches over 80 children from various areas in Delhi. He convinced parents to send their kids to the Pathshala, using his unique understanding and trust as a police officer. His primary goal was to prevent crime and instill good behavior in the children.

Last year, with DCP Sagar Khalsi's assistance, this amazing policeman enrolled nearly 70 children in government-run schools. He proudly mentions that these students continue to attend his Pathshala to strengthen their basics, enabling them to excel in school. Ten of his students have even topped their classes.

Than Singh strives to create a positive environment for children whose parents are often at work. The Pathshala's success in helping students join schools has attracted more children. Balancing his constable work with teaching, he is determined to make it work, as both roles are in the same location.

Than Singh's steadfast commitment benefits the children and promotes a safer, more inclusive society. His impact will inspire future generations to make a difference in their communities.

Source: The Better India

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Architects Priyanka Mangaonkar-Vaiude and Ajay Vaidya are transforming toys for kids aged 0-8. They aim to raise awareness among parents about how toys can contribute to a child's overall development, as early experiences shape their brain, learning abilities, and responses to daily stresses and challenges.

During the first wave of COVID-19, Priyanka's son turned three, and she struggled to keep him away from screens during the lockdown. Worried about the impact of screen addiction on his mental and physical growth, she noticed a lack of suitable toys to engage him. This led her to research child development and tools for holistic growth in a fun, easy way. She discovered that toys are the best tools for children's early development while also providing entertainment.

Priyanka and Ajay ensure every toy is made from sustainable materials like wood or fabric, avoiding plastic toxins and chemicals. Colors come from lac and natural products like turmeric. Their choice of materials is driven by environmental concerns and traditional artisan practices, resulting in safer toys for children. Wooden toys offer natural textures that stimulate children's senses, encourage exploration, and help develop hand-eye coordination.

Their research with IIT Bombay led them to work with over 3,000 artisans in Channapatna, known for lacquerware made from vegetable dyes.

In September 2021, the duo met master craftsman B Venkatesh, who has completed six orders for their company. His team of 30 artisans creates various traditional wooden toys. Priyanka aims to apply their learnings to different toy craft clusters in India, working to sustain and enrich these crafts for the future.

By reimagining traditional toys, they create tools that foster the well-rounded growth of a child. We need more individuals like them to promote the holistic development of children.

Source: The Better India

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Venkatanathan Raghavachari and his wife Saroji created a safe haven for children of convicts. After retirement, the couple used their life savings to shelter, feed and educate the children to give them a better future; a future with possibilities and hope.

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Uddeshya Sachan, a young man from Kanpur, was deeply moved by the plight of underprivileged children and orphans in his city. Determined to make a difference, in 2019, he founded Gurukulam, also known as Khushiyon Wala School, that provides free education to children living in slums and orphanages.

He started the school with only five children from the nearby slum, armed with a whiteboard and a rented room. Today, Gurukulam School has grown to accommodate over 150 students, all of whom eagerly look forward to coming to school every day.

Unlike traditional schools, this school does not focus on rote learning. Instead, their approach is different - it highlights the importance of enjoying the learning process with an emphasis on practical, hands-on experiences. As a result, the students are more engaged and enthusiastic, which in turn, creates a more enjoyable and rewarding learning experience.

At Gurukulam, children are taught more than just academic concepts - they are also given essential life skills to help them navigate the world. The school's unique method involves introducing students to different books, sharing personal life experiences, and even teaching them how to get over a breakup.

Since its inception, Gurukulam has provided a nurturing learning environment to over 400 children. Uddeshya is backed by three teachers and a team of older students who have completed their education at Gurukulam and now volunteer their time to mentor and guide younger students in subjects ranging from science and math to music.

Uddeshya's story is one of resilience, compassion, and dedication. Through Gurukulam, Uddeshya has proven that one person can make a significant difference in their community and that education is a powerful tool for social change.

Source: The Better India