Student Exchange Children are the same everywhere – bright smiles, inquisitive minds and twinkling in their eyes. Yet there is a huge gap in the quality of education and digital skills that are available to students in urban public schools and their counterparts in rural and government schools. The education deficit and digital literacy gap between India and Bharat was already huge. The covid-19 pandemic enforced closure of schools which further widened the gap to alarming proportions. Most students in good schools in large cities switched to online learning mode with relative ease whereas most rural/ government school students suffered due to lack of access to devices, trained teachers, digital curriculum content and regular assessments. There is some heartening news in this gloomy situation that gladdens hearts and minds. RKK, one among the few well-meaning institutions across the country, genuinely concerned about the education status in government schools, came forward to take small yet concrete steps to ensure there is equitable access to learning opportunities for all children in Jodhpur region.
In association with IN-DEED Foundation, a Trust working to provide quality education through dedicated youth volunteers harnessing technology as a tool, RKK collaborated
‘Hand in Hand’ – ‘Khushiyon Ka Safar’ consecutive 2 days’ program, which aimed to provide the right environment and opportunities to children so that they can fulfil their potential and realize their dreams.
Under the aegis of Service pillar, regular student exchange programs are conducted frequently between students of RKKGPS and government schools to encourage peer-learning, information sharing and uninhibited expression of thoughts and ideas.
This time on Saturday 04th February 2023, 40 students of Class IX from - Mahatma Gandhi Government School at Pabupura and BJS Colony Jodhpur, visited RKKGPS campus spending the entire day here. They were taken on a guided tour of Digital Classrooms, E-Labs, Science-Labs, Music, Art, Dance and Fine Arts Rooms, and the School Library. Art Classes were followed by Recreational Activities conducted by RKKians. The visiting team was treated to a hearty breakfast and lunch by the host school RKK. Later, the students went to the Shakti Centre where sanitary napkins are made by volunteers and women from underprivileged background. Instructions on the importance of personal hygiene and its correlation to health was provided to the Class IX government school students. A Sanitary Napkin pack was gifted to each of the 40 visitors. Pick up and drop of students was done by RKK.
This was a real eye-opener for the government school girls and their enthusiasm and excitement was palpable. The response and feedback was very positive. Government school students were very impressed with the equipment and facilities as well as the open and encouraging environment, the deep personal involvement of teachers, the freedom and responsibility given to students and most of all by how smart and confident the students of RKKGPS were. They found a stark contrast with the conditions in their schools. The purpose of this interaction is manifold :
- Giving exposure to government school students of a world of possibilities that can be explored if they work harder and strive to achieve better results and bigger opportunities.
- Making students aware of the huge gap that exists between the private and government schools in terms of infrastructure, facilities, quality, mode and delivery of education.
- Motivating students to share knowledge and experience with their peers thereby promoting a spirit of camaraderie and fruitful volunteerism among youth.
On Sunday, 5th February 2023, from 10 am-4 pm, an Edutainment Fair called
‘Taabar’ was organised at Amritlal Gehlot Stadium, Chainpura, Mandore, Jodhpur in which 17 RKK’s Boarders of Class XI participated.
Student participants had an exceptionally well great time ‘Doodling, Wall Painting and assistance in coordinating activities under the guidance of Mr. Manoj Kumar Sandha & Ms Amba Singh Jhabua.
Sprints, Races, Dance, Musical Performances witnessed immense participation and enthusiasm from the students & stole the show. A Fashion Show performed by the students of NIFT and a workshop conducted by Dr Neetu Parihar (RKK Faculty of Theatre) was highly appreciated. The whole event was a great enriching experience for the students where they were able to showcase their skills, team work and their spirit of learning, sharing, caring & bonding at the best.
On 6th February, another initiative in the same series of service under taken was of Donation Drive, whereby discarded woollens in good condition were sent to the schools of under privileged and needy children.
The overarching objective of this initiative is to inspire students, develop their personality, and inculcate a sense of professionalism and civic responsibility to participate in worthy social causes while growing up to be responsible citizens of the country. For schools are the places where the future of any nation is shaped and formed.
