Digital technology and the Internet have taken over all aspects of our lives. Despite this, radio still remains the go-to medium for the masses. It is easily accessible in urban as well as rural areas. Thus, Smile Foundation and Big FM have partnered up to spread the word about the Shiksha Na Ruke campaign.
Over the next few weeks, Big FM and their RJs will be doing their part for this noble cause. Beneficiaries of the programme as well as our own COVID warriors will also be sharing their stories and experiences through the medium of Big FM. Their RJs across various different cities will share these endearing stories with listeners.
Association of Smile Foundation and Big FM for Shiksha Na Ruke
Did you know that nearly 60 per cent children in India do not have access to smart phones? With schools being closed, no Internet, and no online classes, how are these children continuing their education?
Schools are slowly reopening in phases after almost a year and a half. But the question still remains. How will these children get back to school? Will they be forced to drop out and return to the dreaded reality of child labour and early marriage? Staying at home can possibly lead to a huge learning gap for children who are still not able to access education. Currently, many state governments are still hesitant to open the schools. Thus, there is a certain air of uncertainty around the education and future of millions of vulnerable children.
Through the Shiksha Na Ruke campaign, we are following a blended mode of learning. We are also creating customized solutions for individual children with special requirements. Teachers are using smartphone-based app-learning modules, cable-based television learning programmes, one-on-one mentoring, home visits, cluster learning sessions, projector-based learning, and many other methods to ensure seamless education for children. The campaign seeks to provide education during the pandemic to children even in the remotest villages of India.
Our key interventions
Provision of smartphones and tablets for deprived children
Alternate learning mediums – curating educational content for radio, TV, door-to-door visits
Teacher training – To train them for the dynamic digital learning environment
Regular counseling of parents to ensure children’s participation
Ensuring mental well-being – Helpline services and one-on-one monitoring sessions for children to keep them engaged
As part of the campaign, we are also training teachers to adapt to the new digital environment. At the same time, parents are being counseled regularly on how they can support their children’s education. Along with this, value education lessons are also being conducted for the overall development of the children.
You can tune in to Big FM to learn more about the campaign and the people associated with it. You can show your support here.
