Ghotul Shala (Jeevan Shala)

About the Organization:
Amhi Amchya Arogyasathi (literal translation-We for Our Health) was a culmination of a journey that started with Tarun Shanti Sena by the group of social activists from Vidarbha region of Maharashtra State in India. A group of young social activists moved

Issue:
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.  Mainstream education curriculum and textbooks has no cultural relevance with the tribal community.  Medium Marathi of teaching, children are facing difficulties to understand and learn it.  Absence of community involvement or mechanism in education system to introduce their upcoming generation towards their culture, resource politics, history etc.  Need of space discussion and debate around social issues, wider exposure, lead to independent perspectives building, gaining soft skills confidence, articulation and leadership

Action:
An important aspect is Gond culture, traditional system and education transmission of knowledge in generation and between generations – the system of the Ghotul. 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.

Impact :
Number of children will have improved the learning capacity in language and mathematics Number of villages will have zero dropout in primary and secondary school A mix curriculum will be developed based on existing school curriculum and relevance

Primary Cause :
Ghotul in Adivasis (Traditional Educational System) and Its Cultural Relevance

Project Location(s):
10 Villages of Korchi Block in Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra