Showing posts with label inclusion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inclusion. Show all posts

Sunday, June 7, 2026

Building Trust-Based School Cultures to Prevent Adolescent Risk Behaviors- Anurag Tripathi

The presentation and reading materials shared by Sandeep Dutt Sir reveal a profound truth about modern education: to truly protect and nurture vulnerable adolescents, schools must dismantle rigid, curriculum-driven "brick walls" and prioritise a culture of empathy, reflection, and deep relational trust.

When students encounter the intense pressures of adolescence, they may turn to Volatile Substance Abuse (VSA)—the misuse of everyday items such as diluters, glues, and sanitisers—not out of a desire for physical harm, but as a psychological coping mechanism to escape stress, fit in, or gain acceptance among their peers. Traditional punitive measures, such as suspension or detention, fail to address the root causes of these behaviours; instead, they often deepen feelings of alienation and isolate children from the very support systems they need.

The ultimate antidote to such high-risk behaviours lies in building horizontal, trust-based relationships and cultivating a congenial, experiential learning environment where young minds feel valued, understood, and energised. By replacing harsh zero-tolerance policies with customised corrective interventions and open communication with parents, educators and families, educators can demystify forbidden temptations, reduce the influence of peer pressure, and guide students toward a genuine and safe joy of learning.

Anurag Tripathi
TGT English
Sunbeam School, Ballia

Monday, January 29, 2024

What Makes A School? - Gitika Kapoor


In the 21st century, the concept of a school has transcended the traditional brick-and-mortar institution. It now embodies a holistic and dynamic environment that nurtures students in mind, body, and soul. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accentuated the need for schools to adapt and evolve, moving beyond physical classrooms to embrace virtual and hybrid learning models.

What truly makes a school in this era is the ability to foster a sense of community among students, teachers, and parents, irrespective of physical proximity. It lies in the cultivation of creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability, enabling students to thrive in an ever-changing world. A school in the 21st century is a safe space where diversity is celebrated and inclusivity is the norm, where every student is valued for their unique abilities and contributions.

Moreover, a school is not just a place for academic learning, but a hub for emotional and social development. It offers a plethora of extracurricular activities that promote teamwork, leadership, and good mental health practices. It integrates technology seamlessly into its curriculum, equipping students with digital literacy and preparing them to navigate an increasingly interconnected global society.
In light of the pandemic, a school is also an institution that prioritizes and ensures the safety and well-being of its stakeholders. 

It implements robust health and safety measures, while still maintaining an engaging and enriching learning experience. A school recognizes the importance of mental health support, providing resources and counselling services to help students cope with the challenges brought on by the pandemic.

In essence, a school in the 21st century, post-pandemic, is an inclusive, innovative, and adaptable space that fosters a love for learning and prepares students to become active global citizens. It empowers individuals to embrace uncertainty, embrace change, and constantly seek knowledge and growth. It is not confined to physical boundaries, but extends beyond, connecting learners from different corners of the world. A school becomes a beacon of hope, guiding and inspiring generations to reach their fullest potential amidst the complexities of the modern era.

Gitika Kapoor 

Sunbeam International Varuna
Masterclass 2024 Reflections

Friday, January 19, 2024

School! A New Vision - Ankit Khare





A School serves as a multifaceted institution that contributes to the holistic development of individuals and prepares them for active participation in society.

Here are several vital aspects that define a school's purpose:

  1. Education and Learning: The primary purpose of a school is to provide education and facilitate learning. Students attend school to acquire knowledge, skills, and competencies in various subjects.

  2. Socialisation: School is where students interact with peers, form friendships, and learn social skills. It is an environment where they engage with a diverse community, promoting tolerance and understanding.

  3. Preparation for the Future: Schools aim to prepare students for future challenges in higher education and the workforce. They equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen paths.

  4. Cultural and Civic Education: Schools contribute to cultural literacy and civic education. Students learn about their culture, history, and societal responsibilities, fostering a sense of belonging and civic engagement.

  5. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Schools provide an environment where students can develop the necessary thinking skills and the ability to solve problems. They are encouraged to question, analyze information, and think independently.

  6. Character Building: Character education is an essential aspect of schooling. Schools often emphasize honesty, respect, responsibility, and perseverance to help shape students' character.

  7. Creativity and Innovation: A school is a space that encourages creativity and innovation. Through various subjects, projects, and extracurricular activities, students have opportunities to express themselves and explore their creative potential.

  8. Inclusion and Diversity: Schools strive to be inclusive and celebrate diversity. They provide equal opportunities for students from different backgrounds, fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding.

https://hi2ankitkhare.blogspot.com/2024/01/school-new-vision.html Ankit Khare

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Sunbeam School, Varanasi

Saturday, December 26, 2020

Simplicity and Trust - Flyers DGS


           सादगी और विश्वास- यह कोई नया विषय नहीं है बल्कि इतिहास के पृष्ठों पर अटल स्मृतियां हैं। बंदर जाति, साधारण- पर राम का विश्वास पाकर समुद्र पर पुल बांधा। मुरा साधारण व्यक्तित्व, चाणक्य का विश्वास पाकर चंद्रगुप्त को महान सम्राट बना गई। अहिंसा पर विश्वास करने वाले महात्मा गांधी-पर स्वराज्य का स्वप्न पूर्ण किया। साधारण व्यक्तित्व की पन्नाधाय- उदय सिंह को पुनः राज्य प्राप्ति। दूर क्यों जाएं, वर्तमान में हमारे प्रधानमंत्री सादगी और विश्वास की प्रतिमूर्ति।

                                            गुदड़ी के लाल की यह पहचान, विश्वास व सादगी है जिसकी शान ।

                                          Simplicity and trust are two beautiful values which we require to build strong inter and intra-personal relationships. We easily trust people who are simple in their thoughts and reflect honesty. We asked a few questions related to these two values from the members of our group and they came up with beautiful replies.


1. What do simplicity and trust mean to you?  


Nandini: Trust is a foundation stone of any relationship; we lack the strength of any relationship in the absence of Trust. And to trust others, we need to trust ourselves first, we should have faith in ourselves. When we meet a child, talk to him or her, listen to the child carefully, give responses to his or her talks, show concern, share our realities, keep their secrets, remember their responses, keep our words and trust the child, we build trust towards each other. 

Simplicity means being simple, real and natural. It means being what you are, what you think and what you feel. 
 
2. What are the qualities that you look in others before trusting them?  

Urvashi: I would definitely look for the qualities that the person is truthful about himself/herself as well as others. Always keeps his/her words. It is someone in whom you can confide your deepest secrets without giving a second thought. I can trust someone who avoids water cooler gossips and rumour-mongering. Last but not the least beliefs in long term relationships than short term gains. 

 

3. Do you think simplicity and trust are interlinked to each other? 

Vandana: Simplicity and trust complete each other. If a person is simple transparent and clear in his thoughts and actions, he is bound to be trustworthy and hence both go hand in hand. Cunningness and complexity in nature of an individual cannot win him trust and he himself cant feel the pride of his own Being. 

 

4. Is it true that a smart person can be simple too?

Bhumika: This question makes me wonder, arent we all given a blank sheet of paper when we are born which is absolutely simple and while we grow up, that simplicity stays with a few and a few people are multifarious. But does that mean with a few people with whom simplicity continues to be a part of life are not Smart? Smart people are generally simple and for me, the definition of simplicity goes hand in hand with smartness. A simple and a smart person comprises of a person who is compassionate, thinker, kind, loving, trustworthy, adaptable and honest. Therefore, it’s easy to conclude that Simplicity and Smartness is effortless,

 and they are a part of each other. 


5. Why is it important for children to learn these two values -Simplicity and trust?     


Ritika:  Children are naturally innocent and simple. It is very important to nurture this simplicity in them and support their remarkable faith in their teachers and parents. They believe that their teachers speak the truth but nothing else, so it is very important to live up to that expectation. Trust has to be mutual - the degree to which our children can trust us will later become reflected in their own ability to trust. We have to teach our kids to be simple. It is our responsibility to teach them that they can still fit in their peer circle without flaunting expensive gadgets and trends.  

Written simply by Flyers DGS @ The Doon Girls's School, Dehradun - Vijaya Jugran, Vandana Goel, Urvashi Uniyal, Nandini Arora, Bhumika Vyas and Ritika Tyagi.

Saturday, October 10, 2020

We want to Study, Need TABLETS

For the underprivileged girls from slums of Jaipur having to manage with borrowed smartphones, lack of internet connection, and insufficient data usage facility online classes are a difficult task. Due to COVID 19, Vimukti Girls School, Jaipur, like many other schools, is temporarily closed. The school is conducting online classes. However, several factors have made it tough for girls to make effective use of this opportunity. Unavailability of mobile devices with many of the girls, limited access to parent’s phone if available, availability of phone not matching with the schedule for online classes, etc., means that the girls are either unable to attend the classes or not able to do so effectively and regularly. Unavailability of phones during the day also prevents them from self st...


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Sunday, June 14, 2020

School, Diversity and Multiculturalism: Monisha Dutta

Image: LifePage.IN
It is an accepted fact that India is an extremely diverse country with multiple languages, dialects which change every 500 km you travel, cuisines, faiths and beliefs. To add to this, the complexity of a deep-seated caste system of our social fabric. And if we factor in the issue of ‘class and its inequality’, we won’t find a more complex social diversity across this world in one country. Our policymakers have tried to address this issue through a plethora of government policies and rules related to caste and class like reservations of jobs and other such moves. In fact, the constitution enshrines the concept of Equality to all.

When we see the ground reality of our society, despite all our good intentions, we are driven by societal practices and behaviour which tend to only enhance biases and prejudices. While we claim through slogans like ‘Unity in Diversity’, however, discrimination based on all forms whether caste, class, region, religion, language continues to prevail. In fact, individual identity is defined by each of these in our society. There is no respect for diversity. We just tend to tolerate it and live with its practices in our day to day lives, without even being conscious of it.

As we all know, all this exists, but what is the solution to make our nation and society respect the diversity of our land and people.

This brings us to a very pertinent question. Where do we learn about social behaviour? Our responsibilities, our rights, our duties? Where is all this taught?
Schools! That’s where we learn this. Or do we?

There’s a subtle difference between schooling, Education and knowledge. While we know that knowledge is imparted in schools, however, the concept of schooling has a slightly different connotation.

A reference to Cristopher Winch a British philosopher of Education would be helpful. In his paper on the Aim of Education, he says that the “ fundamental perspective on education is that it needs to serve a purpose and that education cannot be purely for its own sake, in isolation to the societal needs and societal expectations from an individual”. 

And this is where schools come in. 

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

ANNOUNCEMENT from Learning Forward India

Diversity Inclusion Belonging 

@School (DIBs)


For School Culture to thrive the three most important qualities are Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging.

  • Diversity improves tolerance, empathy and critical thinking.
  • Inclusion or Inclusive education provides a friendly atmosphere which helps in empowering students and Staff.
  • Belonging is acceptance and pride of the Institution.
These strong feelings build up confidence and belief.

Rajinder Pal Devgan
Chairperson Learning Forward India
www.LearningForward.Org.in

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Devyani Dutt: My Transformational Journey

I walked into the Welham Girls’ School campus in Dehradun as an overweight 9-year-old, and began a transformational journey, one I am still on until today!

Eight long years at boarding school flew by laughing, crying, studying, playing, eating, and doing pretty much everything together with a group of girls who were not necessarily like me.  We were from different families, cultures, religions and socio-economic backgrounds, but we found a way to make it work, sometimes willingly and at other times unwillingly.

The years we spent together, instilled in me…
curiosity to learn about people who were not like me
empathy to understand them in their own context
ability to value differences they bring to the table
desire to create a space where each one has a voice

Twelve years later, I am here pursuing a career in diversity and inclusion! The lessons I learnt at school, and the behaviours they instilled in me, are now my passion! I strive each day to build a workplace where everyone can feel included and experience a sense of belonging. I am beginning to call another country ‘home’, I share special moments every day with people who do not look like me, I willingly eat food I never tasted earlier, and I live with an individual who I did not even know two years ago!

It is no more professional or personal endeavour but a life long journey – a way of life!

Devyani Dutt, Manager Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at LinkedIn APAC
https://www.linkedin.com/in/devyani-dutt-b3982669/
#HappyTeachers #BrewingKnowledge

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