PEP is about happiness!!
(Some insight into one of AVAG's most important
projects)
PEP or Primary Educational Project has become a highly
successful initiative of AVAG to improve the teaching standards
in 30 local village schools around Auroville. The present
situation of the village schools very much needs improvement
as there is a dearth of teaching materials, the school buildings
are badly dilapidated and most teachers are not interested
in teaching. They are merely there because it is a well-paid
government job. In general their behaviour towards the children
is rude and they often beat them with a stick.
For village children happiness does not cost much. Wandering
in the fields, chasing little lambs, jumping in the pond
and heaps of such activities fill their days with happiness.
However, like all children the rural children too have an
innate desire to learn and understand 'why' and 'how' things
happen. PEP has been structured precisely to take care of
this aspect of children's happiness. It is to give them
an opportunity to express themselves, to let their imagination
soar to new heights and to explore the secrets of nature.
All this is achieved through songs, puzzles, games, stories
etc.
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Jaypalan, 27, is one of AVAG’s
most enthusiastic PEP teachers. With polio in one leg,
he had a difficult childhood. “I wish we had something
like PEP in our school when I was a child. I could have
learnt so much and I would have been happier. Children
who have some physical defect or are different from
others in some way are often teased by others and even
the teachers tend to ignore them. In PEP, however, we
make sure that all are treated equally." |
Hailing from Thuruvai, a village near Auroville, Jaypalan
studied in the same Government school where he goes as an
“educational animator” now. "I remember
the day when AVAG made me the PEP in-charge for my own school.
My teachers were so proud of me that day."
Jaypalan is grateful to AVAG for giving him the teacher's
training that has enabled him to handle a big group of children
effectively. "I wish more people got involved in this
project as this is about building the future of our Auroville
bio-region which is full of potential. More interaction
with Auroville and with the people of different countries
can open so many doors for these children."
Under PEP a school is visited twice a week by a team of
Development Workers, like Jaypalan, who are specially trained
in alternative teaching methods. The most important aim
of this project, apart from teaching the children to read,
write and think, is to demonstrate different ways of learning
in a playful manner. It is to give the children the freedom
to experience the joy of learning and to make them feel
loved and cared for.
Children are very fond of PEP teachers. They call them
Anna (big brother) and Akka (big sister) whereas other teachers
are usually addressed as “sir” or “madam”.
During PEP sessions giggles and laughter of the children
fill the otherwise dull air of the village school. It was
reported that some teachers have noticed this and are trying
to change themselves to win back the hearts of their students.
Village boys learn about leadership
A group of 30 local young-men gathered at AVARC (Auroville
Village Action Resource Centre) to learn about leadership.
Through various games, discussions and problem solving exercises
different aspects of leadership were explored. AVAG's co-ordinator
and trainer, Anbu Sironmani, asked each one to give reasons
for his admiration towards a certain national leader. They
listed out things like honesty, courage, care for others,
etc. Then they were asked what were the qualities they found
in their local leaders. Then she asked the whole group to
make a list of qualities required to become a leader. The
list was then put before the boys to reflect whether they
had those qualities or not and what should they do to acquire
them. This systematic questioning and answering eventually
led the group to the conclusion that 'a leader lies dormant
in each person but it is upto each individual's efforts
to actually become one'. Amazingly, even after one full
day of brainstorming, there was no sign of fatigue on their
faces. AVAG organises such 'leadership trainings' regularly
to inspire young people to take lead in the development
activities of their village. Hopefully the Auroville bio-region
has some wonderful leaders in the making.
Friends of Police
The Tamil Nadu Police has been encouraging young people
to help them maintain law and order in the state. In this
context, the District Commissioner of Police called for
a meeting with the members of Youth Clubs of AVAG. He briefed
the boys about the plan of action and asked for their suggestions
in implementing it. He was pleased to hear about their accomplishment
in village development and expressed his confidence in them.
Some boys took this occasion to recount the bitter experiences
they have had with the police in the past. The officer assured
them that the times are changing and there was no need to
fear the police anymore rather they should work together
for a safer region.
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