In an age where a graduate degree doesn't guarantee employment, the necessity of an effective, skill-developing, parallel mechanism is critical. A cursory look at the current education system sufficiently highlights this need. For the vast majority of average, or even above-average students, the curriculum, beginning at the school level, is not effective in developing professional and life skills, and at a very basic level, the skill to present oneself and one's abilities in the best possible way. There appears to be a failure to address the difference between the concept of information, and the concept of comprehension, and subsequent application. It promotes rote-learning, without ensuring a basic understanding of a given subject. Further, the system remains disconnected from current events, recent developments, and the contemporary socio-cultural milieu. The views and opinions of an individual are suppressed to a degree that often leads to the sacrificing of an intrinsic, well-rounded understanding, and the imbibing of ideas that are mass-fed, through often ill-conceived tools. A natural fallout is the deficiency of creativity, innovation, and analytical skills. Though the syllabus is revised every few years, it remains roughly the same, and becomes monotonous and unrewarding, for teachers and students alike. Manjeet was a brilliant student, bursting with imagination, but suffering from speech defects. He was hesitant to face an audience- even his teacher- and often kept his thoughts to himself, preventing recognition of his real abilities and creativity. Manjeet himself started to doubt his capability, both academically and socially. In short, Manjeet was poised on the edge of a life of disappointment and frustration. Aawaaz is a non-profit trust that aims to work for the overall development of students, particularly focusing on critical issues prevalent in our society. Some of the major skills that we focus on are-
· Critical thinking
· General awareness
· Public speaking
We aim to embed these life skills in children at an early age, to give shape to their thought process. and equip them with a chance at a better life. Unlike the traditional way of learning, we pursue that path that engages students as a part of the syllabi, rather than relegating them to being mute spectators. The curriculum we design exposes students with real-life problems and encourages them to critically think of solutions, pushing them outside the comfort zones of their classrooms. We employ the use of fun-filled activities, supplemented with facts and information, to have an all-rounded insight into a particular topic. They will be taught to articulate and modulate speech, which will help them become confident speakers, and convey their thoughts in a cohesive manner, which will help them become well-informed citizens. These activities will teach them important lessons in fields like politics, gender sensitivity, religion, environment, personal and other rights, and other areas that affect their day-to-day lives. We also provide them a platform that allows the world to hear their voice- their Aawaaz. Aawaaz, in its earlier phase, was part of a "Teach for India Fellows’ Initiative", where it worked towards the development of students from low-income backgrounds. Returning to Manjeet. Through our curriculum, we unraveled his imagination, and helped him open up, and rise above his difficulties. We nurtured his creativity, encouraged him to come out of his shell, and share his opinions in front of not only his class but eventually, in front of a packed auditorium. The impact Aawaaz had on Manjeet also spilled over to his academics, where he became a more participative and pro-active student in the class, directly improving his academic results as well. Through this project, we hope to engage three important tiers of our society –
Educators, Students, and the Community at large. When these three tiers work together harmoniously, they develop the student who rises to our vision of self-fulfillment:
“Prepare the Students of Today to become the well-informed, confident leaders, who will drive our Nation forward Tomorrow.”
