Arunachal Pradesh
Bagless Saturday: Igniting Curiosity and Reviving Classrooms
At Government Secondary School, Dipa, Lower Siang, in a remote village of Arunachal Pradesh, Primary Teacher Jitu Ngomle noticed something interesting. The School Readiness Programme (SRP) and Learning Recovery Programme (LRP) were helping children get back on track after long breaks, bringing back their enthusiasm for learning. But what really stood out for him was the excitement generated for Saturdays, which are Bagless Days and he noticed that this excitement continued to grow with each passing week. On Saturdays, everything changed. Students who were irregular now rushed to school, eager to participate in the fun-filled activities awaiting them.
To enhance the impact of Bagless Saturdays, a Government initiative under the National Education Policy 2020, Reach to Teach has developed engaging learning modules that integrate grade-appropriate and age-appropriate interactive activities, storytelling, and orientation on vocational skills. These modules incorporate local culture and real-world applications, making lessons meaningful and relatable.
“I have seen a positive change through these activities,” says Jitu. Students are now socially active, build friendships, and work together in teams.
“This year’s vocational modules are different (as they include hands on activities as well as guest lectures, site visits and an annual project), capturing students’ attention and making them more focused and eager to learn. Children who previously had shown little interest in studies, are now keen to attend these sessions due to this activity-based learning approach,” he added.
The impact is clear. Classrooms that once were empty, are now buzzing with energy, not just on Saturdays but throughout the week. This one day of vocational learning and a different experiential based teaching-learning style keeps children energised and prepares them for the coming week. This approach has motivated young minds, leveraging their curiosity and turning learning into an exciting journey. Friendships have deepened, confidence has soared, and students are more engaged than ever.
“The smiles on their faces give us immense satisfaction,” Jitu shares, as he watches his students.
June 19, 2024
