By Sarfaraz Mulla, for TwoCircles.net,
Pune: Kilbil, an English medium school of modest means situated in dingy lanes of Janwadi slum area of Pune, has a multi-purpose prayer hall that also serves as Karate coaching ground and a place to conduct co-curricular activities, a unique feature of a school. Despite of its scarce space, it’s a model institution in many respects. Kilbil is a Marathi name for a type of flower.
A group of students of Kilbil school of Pune
The school, now government recognized with classes from pre-primary to Junior College level, is the result of persistent efforts of a son of migrant beedi worker. Mr. Rafique Saudagar, gentle, suave, soft-spoken middle aged man, is respected by his students and teacher-colleagues alike.
Mr. Saudagar, a teacher from heart, being eldest of the siblings, with the responsibility to share the burden of his father to support his family, started taking tuition while he was 19. Mr. Saudagar credits his astute success to prayers of her religious mother and far-sightedness of his father, who made him travel a distance on bicycle 40 years ago to study in an English medium school.
Long before government of India implemented the Right to Education act, Kilbil made every attempt to ensure students do not drop out due to insufficient grades or poverty. If there is ever a reason for a student to continue due to unsatisfactory grades, teachers counsel the student and parents informing the reason behind holding back a student in the same class.
The school management has made conscious efforts keeping in mind the paying capacity of people around the locality. A notice board welcomes every visitor clearly stating the fees. Students of poor parents are allowed to continue, even if they are unable to pay fees.
Do and Learn
Students are encouraged to learn by doing. The school organizes programmes and events such as Bazaar to teach Maths and importance of economics. Students make up as local vendors selling vegetables, goods & grains.
Ballot paper of a mock election at Kilbil school
Elections are also conducted in the school. Members are nominated, ballot papers are printed. Students get time to canvas their candidature and in the process they are educated how to make an informed choice while electing representatives.
Provisions for disabled students
The school makes special provisions for disabled, like reserving the classes close to school gate and sensitizing students regarding their special needs. Regular health checkups are conducted for all students. Students requiring medical attention are taken to nearby government hospital for detailed check-up & if treatments are required.
The Kilbil school staff
Kilbil utilizes multimedia kits to teach concepts of physics & astronomy. It not only boasts of enthusiastic children, but also equally committed and energetic teaching staff who are wholeheartedly extending their support to make it an enviable place to learn.
As I am ready to leave students after a day’s study they are still alive-&-kicking in their martial art classes.
I was blissed by a rare opportunity to relive my own school days when I spent a day with students and teachers at this school. I was excited to be at a wonderful institution, though for some hours.
Link:
http://kilbilrafiq.co.in/
[This report is part of the TCN Series on Education, sponsored by The Aligarh Forum]