Activities
Nareshwadi Learning Centre believes that the opportunities and outcomes in which the students are engagedshould be shared with the community, and the community's rich culture and heritage should be ingrained in the children's development at school.
Teaching & Learning
In 2007, Nareshwadi teachers attended a workshop on Activity-Based Learning at the Rishi Valley School. In May 2008, classrooms at Nareshwadi were renovated to aid in the introducition of this methodology from grades 1 to 4. Teachers have held workshops to make educational aids and have been sharing this knowledge with teachers from local schools.
Activity-based learning in action.
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
In the 2008–09 academic calendar, Nareshwadi Learning Centre introduced VET in computer training, tailoring, Warli art, vermi-composting, dairy and agriculture. Children from grades 7 to 9 spent 2 hours per day, 5 days a week, working in groups guided by a teacher and a subject expert.
In November 2007, a construction skills training was begun in collaboration with Somaiya Vidyavihar and Leighton International, to train 10th grade graduates between the ages of 18 and 25 years in construction skills that enhanced their employability and found placement in the partner company. Nareshwadi continues to seek other such partners.
Construction trainees involved in a practical exercise.
Health & Nutrition
Nareshwadi has been operating a Comprehensive School Based Health Centre since 2007. A database is in place to track students' health history and for referral and action. Furthermore, the Centre has involved parents and children in growing their own vegetable garden at home to help in providing some nutritious meals for the family. In the coming years, this initiative will be strengthened. The Centre also carried out eye exams at the local Ashram Shala after it was found that a high percentage of Nareshwadi children had night blindness. Vitamin A doses and an improved diet helped eliminate night blindness and prevent problems with sight in the future.
Stacie Shelton distributes a vitamin A dose.
Sports
Village children have a natural physical ability for cross-country running and local sports like kabbadi and wrestling. To hone this ability, Nareshwadi hired an additional physical education teacher, which has resulted in the children taking their school to the top position in Dahanu Taluka in long distance running and kabbadi. The children have been participating in district competitions as well.
Nareshwadi children help volunteer Nynke Karrenbeld perfect her swing.
Arts & Crafts
Nareshwadi is located in the Warli tribal community and draws most of its children from this community. The tribe is known for its distinct Warli painting and has a worldwide presence. Many famous Warli artists have been felicitated in India and abroad. However, the art form is not known to the young ones. Nareshwadi has started an Arts & Crafts Centre which is headed by a trained artist. A local artist trains the children and exposes them to the richness of their culture.
A Nareshwadi student practicing traditional Warli painting methods.
Science
Students are encouraged to go beyond the standard curriculum and extend their knowledge and skills. In 2007, a new science lab was inaugurated in Nareshwadi. Later that year, Nareshwadi organized a science exhibition for 52 primary schools and 37 high schools to promote an interest in science among the students.
Nareshwadi students gather around a laboratory setup.
back to topAccomplishments
Thanks to the joint initiatives of its management, staff as well as supporters, Nareshwadi Learning Centre (NLC) accomplished the following in the last 3 years:
Higher enrolment of girl children. Through a focused policy by management, girl child enrolment has gone up from 22% in 2006-07 to 35 % in 2008-09. This is to be raised to 50% within the next 2 years when NLC celebrates its silver jubilee year.
Improved Academic Performance. Academic performance improved from 13% passing at the 10th standard board (SSC) exams in 2005 to 97% in 2008.
Science Awards. Students are encouraged to go beyond the standard curriculum and extend their knowledge and skills. In 2007, two 7th standard students produced a remedy for skin diseases based on a home-based formula and won the 3rd prize in the District Science competition.
Excellence in Sports. Both boy and girl students participate in block and district level inter school competitions, coached by experienced sports teachers, and continuously rank among the top 3 schools in the district in long-distance running, as well as in khabadi and khokho. The first two positions in long distance running among girls is consistently held by Nareshwadi.
Student Health Improved Through Comprehensive School Based Health Centre. The Centre was established in 2006-07. It is focusing on both prevention and treament for students and staff. This has resulted in reduced absenteeism at school and drop-outs. The Centre also regularly organises medical health checks. Thanks to these initiatives, rampant scabies has been reduced to a negligible percent and night blindness eradicated with Vitamin A doses. A database is in place to track students' health history and for referral and action.
Improved Health Through Nutritious Diet. Seasonal vegetables grown on the school farm provides additional nutrition. The first crop was planted in October 2007 under drip irrigation; shortfall in production was balanced by purchasing vegetables from the local market. The improved diet has contributed to better health of students.
Enrolment in Higher Education. In 2007, 8 post 10th standard children for the first time secured admission in Arts IT, Science and Civil Engineering courses in Somaiya Vidyavihar with scholarships from the management. Other school graduates continued studies at local colleges.
back to topFuture
Nareshwadi's long-term strategy, developed in 2007–08, focuses on the following areas:
Innovative Education
Health and Nutrition
Capacity Building
Facilities and Infrastructure
Community Involvement
Please contact Nareshwadi for information about how to get involved in your areas of interest.
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