"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
17 Jan 2024
In a significant move towards transforming the quality of education in government schools, Himachal Pradesh has launched the 'My School-My Pride' campaign. With an aim to align with the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, this initiative seeks to encourage active participation from individuals and organizations to bring about a positive change in the education system.
Revolutionizing Education in Government Schools
Under the 'My School-My Pride' campaign, stakeholders will be urged to adopt schools and contribute to various aspects of students' growth. This includes providing career counseling, offering remedial teaching, coaching students for examinations, and engaging in community support services. The campaign also emphasizes the importance of monetary contributions for infrastructure development, event sponsorship, scholarships, and support for the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) program.
Active Participation from the Society
One of the key features of the campaign is the 'Giving back to society' initiative, which encourages retired teachers, professionals, housewives, or any other member of the society to become part of the academic support team. These individuals will teach students without any payment or honorarium, ensuring continuous academic support during teacher shortages or leaves. Non-academic teams will also contribute to sports, co-curricular activities, skill training, arts, and more.
Adoption by Dignitaries and Government Officers
To further enhance the campaign's impact, dignitaries, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and government officers are encouraged to adopt at least one government school as patrons. By doing so, they can suggest improvements, stay informed about students' progress, and actively participate in the school's development. Additionally, officers from the education department will act as mentors for specific schools, providing guidance and support.
Transparent Monitoring and Accountability
To ensure transparency, accountability, and real-time monitoring of activities, the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) will launch an online portal dedicated to the 'Apna Vidyalaya' program. This portal will serve as a platform for stakeholders to track and monitor their contributions and activities related to the adopted schools. Such transparency will help in maintaining the campaign's integrity and effectiveness.
Holistic Approach towards Education
The 'My School-My Pride' campaign aims to bring about a holistic transformation in the education system. In addition to academic support, it includes the 'systematic adolescent management and value addition dialogue' (SAMVAD) component. This component focuses on educating school-going adolescents on moral values, drug awareness, nutrition, legal knowledge, and empowerment schemes. By addressing these crucial aspects, the campaign strives to create a sustainable model for educational improvement.
A Ray of Hope for Government Schools
The launch of the 'My School-My Pride' campaign is a significant step towards revitalizing the public education system in Himachal Pradesh. As government schools cater to over 55% of students in the state, this initiative holds the promise of bringing about a positive transformation in their educational experience. By emphasizing community engagement, mentoring, and active participation from various stakeholders, the campaign aims to uplift the quality of education and create a conducive learning environment.
The 'My School-My Pride' campaign launched by Himachal Pradesh is a commendable effort to transform the government education system. By promoting active involvement from individuals and organizations, encouraging transparent monitoring, and adopting a holistic approach towards education, this campaign has the potential to bring about a positive and sustainable change in the quality of education in government schools. With the support of the society, government officials, and the education department, Himachal Pradesh is paving the way for a brighter future for its students.