To help you better understand our School English Language Support Program, we interviewed Lakshmi Vishwanatham, Reality Gives Program Head and a dedicated, experienced educator.
Why do you think the community of Dharavi needs an English Language Support Program?
The community looks at English as a career-defining path where their children will have access to job opportunities, not just on the domestic but also the global market. Parents of students at vernacular schools hope that their kids also get a chance to compete with students from English medium schools as they aren’t able to afford the higher school fees.
Who runs the project?
The staff who conducts the program are from the community and exclusively trained in a child-centred learning approach of Muktangan. Their origin makes it easy for them to be in direct contact with the parents which gives them the opportunity to understand the children, ethos and culture of the community fully.
What makes the program special?
Reality Gives does not just dole out the program mechanically. A lot of effort goes into connecting with the community. Also we give a significant important to the E.Q. (emotional quotient) rather than I.Q. Learning is child centred , group centred and joyful.
What was the biggest achievement of the program since you started in 2010?
While supporting the grades 1, 2, and 3 at the Marathi medium school in Dharavi, the teachers conducted a project on animals and greenery. It showcased the talents of the children using the medium of active experimental learning in role plays, drama, action songs, group and individual activities. It was a treat to watch the children in their element, totally confident and using English to communicate with the guests that have come for the presentation.
How will the future of the program look like?
A private but government-recognised school has approached Reality Gives to bring improvement to the existing school system. In the school year 2013/14, we will teach 240 students in pre-school and first grade. We are especially happy to be able to have an impact on the children in their most impressionable years of preschool. Every year, we will add one more grade. We have the ambition to involve the new community in other community projects run by us and other organisations.
