Project Champion

Physical education is an important aspect of a child’s holistic education. It lays the foundation for a healthy active life for the child, while at the same time, encourages healthy social and interpersonal behaviour.

Physical activity also encourages and stimulates a child so that they become active learners in the classroom. Physical activity and sports are often neglected in classrooms, especially for children from poor communities. It is often the first aspect of education which is sacrificed in the face of a resource constraint.

Kriti is working with 10 government schools in the Sheikpet Mandal in Hyderabad on improving teacher: student ratio and bridging the infrastructure gaps. In most schools, we have seen that there is no physical activity for children at all. Even after they go home, children living in slums have no space or opportunity for physical play. This is leading to health issues, overuse of television and phones as means of entertainment, and reduced concentration in class.

Kriti is establishing a sports program in government schools to ensure that each child gets atleast a 45 minute sports period three days a week. A trained instructor conducts the class which includes a mix of exercise and ball games. In some of the schools, a sports area or ground was available (nearby GHMC grounds), but in some schools we have helped to create the space. In one school, a play area has been created on the roof by providing a high wire netting around the walls.

In addition to exercise and ball games, older children are also taught sports. The children are encouraged to participate in inter school tournaments to get more exposure. Sports equipment such as balls, basket ball rings etc are provided to the schools.

Project Champion is currently operational in five out of the 10 schools that we are supporting. There is a requirement from the schools to expand the program and we are looking for funds to continue this project in coming years.

Sports helps children to improve their agility, balance, speed, endurance and focus. Children enjoy coming to school more and we have found the number of enrolments increasing in all the schools which are a part of Project Champion.

IN the six months since Project Champion started, children have participated in two inter-school competitions.

During the summer holidays, Hyderabad Runners has gotten involved and conducted summer camp for the children focussing on encouraging them to run. The camp will culminate in all the children taking part in a 4k run.

The project is already running in five schools and we are seeking funds to continue this program in the academic year of 2018-19. The program benefits 1600 children.