Gramin Shiksha Kendra Samiti

GSK focuses on community engagement, promoting active involvement in education. Uday Community Schools, educating 400 kids, follow a unique child-centric approach under the Rajasthan State Education Board. Encouraging dialogue and diverse activities fosters creativity. These schools, also models for Government counterparts via the Vistaar Programme, enhance teaching methods across 70 schools. This approach uplifts Sawai Madhopur's education, boosting student engagement, parental responsibility, and teacher-student bonds.

GSK is active in early childhood care and education (ECCE), focusing on pre-primary education at Uday and partnering with Government anganwadis near Ranthambore National Park. Previously transforming two anganwadis into exemplary models, GSK now supports staff and ASHA workers in two more. Its ECCE initiatives aim to engage young children in activities fostering psycho-social development. It also collaborates with mothers, the main caregivers, ensuring children's health and nutrition by monitoring growth using WHO-recommended charts, crucial for the early detection of malnutrition signs.

GSK operates the Umang Programme, launched in 2016-2017 to empower 29 disadvantaged adolescent girls. The initiative focuses on academic support, digital literacy, and life skills development, providing a nurturing space beyond their homes and schools. The first cohort completed grade 10 and continues their education, with many now pursuing college. GSK maintains engagement with alumni through English, Computer learning sessions, outings, and discussion platforms. New cohorts attend daily classes for academics, digital literacy, and life skills. They participate in tailored modules and events like Sports Camp and Leadership Camp, fostering confidence, communication, empathy, and critical thinking. Currently active in Shyampura village, plans are in progress to extend Umang centres to four more locations.

GSK actively engages with five De-notified and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) in and around Sawai Madhopur, acknowledging the historical discrimination faced by these communities due to past legislation and enduring caste-based stigma. Through assessments, GSK evaluates their challenges and children's academic levels to create tailored programmes for their well-being and empowerment. Initiatives like 'Baal-manch' for Bawri and Gadiya Lohar children aim to offer structured learning environments, easing their transition to nearby Government schools. Health Camps benefit the Bhopa and Bawri communities, while digital literacy sessions empower young Bhopa girls at the Fariya school. During the 2020 lockdown, GSK provided rations to vulnerable areas and continues offering immediate support during medical emergencies, personal needs, and food insecurity crises. These efforts aim to address immediate needs and foster long-term community empowerment.

The English Learning programme at GSK emphasizes a balanced approach by combining comprehensible input and print-rich environments with explicit language instruction. Adaptability to available resources and diverse student and teacher needs remains a priority. Through this method, teachers at Uday witnessed notable improvements in student learning. GSK aims to replicate this success in Vistaar intervention schools. The teaching approach at Uday centres on thematic learning, with monthly contextually relevant themes guiding reading, speaking, and writing activities. Resource teachers support their colleagues by aiding in lesson planning, execution, and reflection. Mentorship sessions empower teachers to enhance their capacities and take proactive roles in their teaching approach.