EDUCATION is that fragrance which if spread can not only bring smiles on hundreds of thousands of individuals but also can make the society as a whole, a better place to live in. The society has people from all classes and segments, some being fortunate and privileged enough that they can afford the heavy expenses of being educated. While some unprivileged class of the society are deprived and even have no access to basic education, because of a number of reasons.
As is being said, “Knowledge is that something, which, if shared will only expand and will benefit larger chunk of people and will help in making the society a civilised one”. With this motive in the back of the mind, MADF team of IMT, saw and introspected within the college campus and observed that the blue collar workers (who work day in and day out to make the stay of students more comfortable at the campus) dint even knew Hindi counting and very few knew the basic mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. A few of them dint even how to sign and read the newspaper!!!
Thus, as is stated “if you want to clean the society, start from your home itself!!!” MADF took the initiative, a proposal was made and a personal meet with all of them who are interested was arranged. The team tried talking to the workers as to what they feel about being taught. Gradually, they were asked how much they know, would they want to learn and get education and be able to do at least the basics of reading and writing both English and Hindi. The workers were then explained as to what all problems they face right now and what consequences it has on their lives. As to how education will promote them in their work and in personal life. How it will help their children lead a better life and get better education and thus jobs, rather than following their parents’ line of work. The response was indeed overwhelming. The workers were very enthusiastic about this program and willingly agreed to walk on a path that leads to a new life.
The first class was arranged with 20 workers turning up and 5 MADF members. The first class was to make the workers feel comfortable about starting to study and not feel any hesitation or shame on not knowing a lot of things. The students (workers) were tested on what they already knew and what all was known by how many people. On basis of that session we decided to divide the students into 3 groups:
- 1st group - Beginners Level
Students who have not even saw the face of the school even once.
- 2nd group - Elementary Level 1
Students who knew the Hindi counting and basic addition and subtraction manually.
- 3rd group - Elementary Level 2
Students who knew in addition to level 1 division and multiplication as well as a few
mathematical tables.
After the session the curriculum for the 3 levels was decided and books, registers and pens were purchased from the club’s funds. It was decided to formally announce the project in front of all the IMT fraternity. Thus, these books were given to the students during the 26th January function held in the campus, by the Director of IMT.
There on the club members have been taking classes, 3 times a week. For now the Elementary Levels 1 and 2 have been combined into one group so that students of Level2 can revise the Level1 curriculum.
The scope of this project is endless and depends on the enthusiasm and keenness of the students as well as the cooperation of people who are taking their classes. It is indeed a Mega Project and the MADF team has decided to continue it as much as they can.