Learning That Spurs GROWTH

'Girls face discrimination
in society'

Asma, Class 7, Anand Nagar Mumbai Public School

Asma learnt the concept of teamwork in Grade 6, but is still using it in Grade 7, including on the football field where she's now able to motivate a goalie when she misses a save, instead of being annoyed with a team-mate.

Her presentation was a multi-lingual one, aimed at including parents and others who may not speak English. The presentation was on the topic 'Why Is Community Important', and among the findings her group listed was that community can feel unsafe when there is gender discrimination.

Disha didi of Apni Shala Foundation gave them examples of successful women who prove that boys and girls are equally capable. "My mother once said that a football injury could hamper my marriage prospects, but my dad stepped in and said there are no such differences... Those who fall can also stand up again."

'We can see the impact on students'

Shobha Shinde, Teacher, Ghatla Municipal School, Chembur

Students tend to dislike regular lessons but they enjoy the very different kind of teaching that Apni Shala offers, says teacher Shobha. She says students retain better what is taught through games and songs, including on mental health, self-care, interpersonal skills, sharing, meditation and public speaking. "The Anandi Kopra or the joyful corner of the classroom where students can go to find enjoyment amid a boring or stressful class is a wonderful innovation."

The Anokhe Classrooms programme including dances, plays and songs gave students an opportunity to be on stage and display their talents, she says. "Apni Shala believes that every student should shine.... and we can see the impact on students, the way they speak to one another, in how they are."

'We'll need team work even in our adult life'

Aruna, Class 7, Anand Nagar Mumbai Public School

Aruna describes Anokhe Classrooms as “a lifetime memory,” where she first learned research and observation. Her group studied how teachers respond when students trouble them. They found varied reactions. Some teachers respond with “punishment… extra homework… or sometimes games and activities.” This helped her see teaching more empathetically.

What stays with her most is teamwork. She connects it to real life. Whether as a doctor trying to save a critical patient or in other professions, “teamwork is needed everywhere.” She also reflects on values: respect, compassion, and motivation, encouraging others instead of pulling them down.

       

'This event
gave me the confidence to dance on stage'

Saloni, Class 3,
Ghatla Municipal Marathi School

The Apni Shala didis who come on Fridays to their school taught them from books and from songs and games, says Saloni. During Anokhe Classrooms, performing on stage was a "fun" experience. Dancing on stage helped her gain confidence, she says.

Saloni reflects on everything the didi taught all year, including how to draw, how to plan a picnic, how to avoid eating outside food, particularly sweet and sour foods from street side vendors that may harm their health. "We should save money little by little and use that to buy fruits that will keep us healthy," she says.

'100 out of 10
for Anokhe Classrooms'

Vinit, Class 1, Ghatla Municipal School, Mumbai

Asked how much he enjoyed the games and songs that were part of Anokhe Classrooms, little Vinit says he had a really great time. He scores the event 100 out of 10 marks, he says confidently.

Gouri didi of Apni Shala has also taught them how to treat family and friends, he says, besides appreciating friends' and classmates' dance performances. They also learnt stories and songs during the year, and learnt how to recognise the feeling of enjoyment and joy.

'Students took up a research subject and found ways to solve problems'

Ria, Teacher, Anand Nagar
Mumbai Public School

It is commendable that Grade 7 students undertook a project that included conducting interviews and analysis of the responses, something most youngsters learn only in undergraduate courses, says Ria.

Apni Shala Foundation's work to help teachers has also been impactful, she says. This includes mindfulness techniques, useful when teachers feel overwhelmed. The focus on teachers' psychological well-being and the monthly meetings between the Apni Shala team and teachers helped them focus on improving their abilities in the classroom. A question that stayed with her from one of these sessions was, "What do you do in your free time, and how can you make it better?"

'My play was on cleanliness, and respect for all cleaning staff'

Farah, Class 7, Anand Nagar
Mumbai Public School

Farah describes learning by doing and observing.

She says watching and performing dramas helped her “feel others’ experiences”, including those of teachers. Even presenting at a learning station stall taught her how to explain concepts confidently. She also talks about emotional learning. During football, “we release anger through breathing,” she says, something that Disha didi of Apni Shala Foundation taught them.

There is also a shift to action. After interviewing students, teachers and staff for a project on cleanliness, she realised why the school was sometimes dirty. “Students litter and they don’t respect staff,” she says. With her group, Asma decided to act, and they scripted their play on how to change behaviour regarding cleanliness.