Students and teachers of Gyandeep pose for a photograph
Each one teach one goes the precept. And it becomes even more important to remember this at a time when education is not within everyone’s reach. And when residents of a society share this sentiment, magic happens.
Meet the women of Mahagun Mansion Phase I, a residential colony in Indirapuram, who started a free school, Gyandeep, for 16- and 17-year-old maids and kids of other older maids in the society.
Neelam Khuller, who has more than 20 years of teaching experience, started the school in July 2014 with the help of Suman Saxena, Jaya Verma, Anita Singh and Pamella Ghosh. The aim was to educate children from the weaker sections of society and inculcate good habits and values in them.
STUDY TIME: A class in progress.
Khuller says, “One of my primary goals is to remove the fear of schools, teachers and studies from the minds of these children. Maids must at least be able to read and write their names.” The teachers here try to give lessons on a par with that of the 5th standard in regular schools. “We have also been planning to open a savings bank account for every eligible student,” she adds.
The classes are held in the afternoon at the puja room adjacent to the maintenance office of the society. Like most schools, this one is open on weekdays and closed on weekends. But it’s not just basic education that is part of the lessons — creative pursuits also get their due attention. Art, craft and moral lessons are part of the curriculum.
KIDS' DAY OUT: Children pose for a photo during an outing with their teachers.
To provide for the students’ academic requirements, the teachers pool in whatever resources are available to them. They pay for everything from stationery, snacks and medical check-ups to the occasional outing in the neighbourhood.
The teachers also organise a “Fruit Day” on Fridays every week, when students are served seasonal fruits. Khuller ensures that they don't take the fruits home, but relish them in class itself.
However, Gyandeep does not restrict itself to the welfare of the underprivileged. It also provides free tuition classes to other children in the society.
ART ATTACK: The handiwork of Gyandeep's students.
