Gotul Shala (Jeevan Shala) (Community based Education by Adivasis)

Since pandemic, schools organizing online classes but it were no relevance in absence of technological equipment; network connectivity and lack of money to recharge those families have a mobile. Teachers involved in awareness and tracking of patience in villages had no time/willingness to interact with children. Students moved from last year class to next class without studies. During strict lockdown students had no books for study nor were any mentor to guide them.

Survey was conducted in 2 villages (Salhe & Padiyaljob) of Korchi block, Gadchiroli district. Both villages are tribal populated. In academic year 2020-21, 39 children were enrolled in primary schools of both villages. So parents are very anxious about the future of their children because in survey identified the problems of education situation.

Ø Mainstream education curriculum and textbooks has no cultural relevance with the tribal community.

Ø Medium Marathi of teaching, children are facing difficulties to understand and learn it.

Ø Absence of community involvement or mechanism in education system to introduce their upcoming generation towards their culture, resource politics, history etc.

Ø Need of space discussion and debate around social issues, wider exposure, lead to independent perspectives building, gaining soft skills confidence, articulation and leadership

An important aspect is Gond culture, traditional system and education transmission of knowledge in generation and between generations – the system of the Gotul. It was a unique system of learning and transform of traditional wisdom, culture, knowledge and worldviews.

The project will be implemented in 5 villages of Korchi block of Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra. These community forest rights recognized villages are largely tribal populated having dependence over forest and agriculture for their livelihood. Gramsabha will pass resolution to implement the project on education.

150 School going children for primary and secondary school and youth will be directly involved in the learning process. We need to let them explore many more avenues while drawing and painting provide rich canvas for expression like music, art, games etc. It will create balance between existing curriculums of school and add additional aspects of culture, home language, traditions, songs, beliefs, resource-based knowledge etc

The project activities are Open Jeevan Shala (Gotul) Capacity building of School Management Committees & Gramsabha, Awareness among parents, Curriculum Design, Capacity building of volunteer’s teachers, establish Community Library etc

The local governance will be monitoring and mentoring along with the help of school Management Committee, Gramsabha members and organization level. 

Ø Number of children will have improved the learning capacity in language and mathematics

Ø Number of villages will have zero dropout in primary and secondary school

Ø A mix curriculum will be developed based on existing school curriculum and relevance to tribal culture and resource governance

Ø Number of Volunteer teacher will have strengthened knowledge and pedagogy

Ø Increase the participation of `Gramsabha, School management committee and parents in that education & learning process.

Ø Increased with changing time, especially in order to stop unauthorized and commercial misuse of such knowledge. It will protect the indigenous people from such loss and also help them to preserve such ancient practice

Ø Development of encouraging teaching-learning environment. The use of these resources could give more valuable and powerful direction to the teacher than any personal efforts without the materials

Ø Contribute to the enhancement in quality of life with improved learning and health, strengthen social and economic benefits, opportunities to come together with others, overall well-being including interest participation Individuals and communities. In education.

Ø Understand and acknowledge the significance of equitable living, rural empowerment and social change in the context of mankind for its enduring survival transformation, and sustainable development