3,000 km from home, Kerala teacher makes learning fun for children near China border
A teacher from Kerala has travelled 3,000 km to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya (NSCBAV) in Karo village, Shi-Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh, near the India-China border. According to India Today, he is bringing cultural celebrations like Onam to his students.
About the School
Established in 1975, the residential school now has 102 students, up from fewer than 40 when NGO Sunbird Trust began working in the area. It has five classrooms for Classes 1 to 5, while its hostel, originally built to accommodate 60 students, now houses 62.
Teacher Background
Ashqar, 29, holds an MA from the Central University of Punjab, a BEd from Pondicherry University and an MEd from North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. He previously taught in Poonch for one-and-a-half years. His interest in the Northeast developed while pursuing his MEd at NEHU in Shillong.
Challenges in the Village
Moving to Karo presented significant challenges, including poor roads, frequent landslides, limited internet access and the lack of regular electricity. The school initially relied on a generator for power, and this year, Sunbird Trust installed a solar power system. Language was also an initial hurdle, though Ashqar is learning the local language.
Focus on Foundational Skills
Ashqar’s primary focus is addressing gaps in foundational literacy and numeracy. The school has introduced programmes to strengthen these basics. With limited digital resources, teachers rely on experiential learning, connecting lessons to the surrounding environment – such as using mountains as examples from textbooks.
Community Involvement
The school employs 18 staff members, including five Sunbird Trust teachers, seven government teachers and six support staff. Parents, teachers, government staff and the local community have all contributed to the school’s progress, with Sunbird Trust and the government working together to provide infrastructure and academic support.
Onam Celebration
Ashqar’s recent Onam celebrations drew significant attention. The event involved the entire school staff, with colleagues travelling long distances to contribute ingredients and decorations. He also taught traditional Malayalam and South Indian dance performances. According to Ashqar, “It was a collective effort. Everyone contributed in whatever way they could, and that is what made the celebration successful.”
Lessons Learned
Despite the difficulties, Ashqar states that the children and the local community have taught him valuable lessons. He describes the children as resilient and positive, even with limited access to basic facilities, and notes that simple things like having a sink are considered luxuries.
Source: India Today. Featured image credit: India Today.
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