Leadership quality is a combination of an inherent as well a learnt skill. One needs to nurture the skill to be able to display it efficiently. In education world "Leadership" as a concept is inherent in every aspect. Be it in the form of class monitors, school heads or student union leaders in universities and colleges. However, until the children understand the meaning of being a leader, the purpose of having such positions does not fulfil its purpose. Leadership Curriculum program in eVidyaloka is an effort to make children realise exactly this-the meaning of being a leader and the idea of leading a change.
Leadership Curriculum is an annual extra-curricular event conducted by eVidyaloka in the rural schools of India. eVidyaloka believe that children should also be groomed to understand their capabilities and further strengthen it. So far, we have held three sessions of Leadership Curriculum Program. Every time we set out to make leaders out of these children who can lead a change for the common good of the society in future.
While this program is just a nudge to these children to set a short term goal for themselves, in the long run, they are expected to further pursue those dreams and aspirations. Leadership Curriculum program has been adopted by a team of eVidyaloka Volunteers from the Indus International School in Bangalore, and tuned as per the requirements and surroundings of rural children. Under the program the interested Volunteer Teachers undergo a two days training to mentor a set of 4-5 children over a period of 3 months. They mentor the children to set a "SMART" goal and work towards achieving the same. This is followed by a Ted style talk by the children before a sizeable audience, reflecting upon their experience in this program.
What emerges out of this is a set of super confident children, all set to turn their dreams and aspirations into reality. It doesn't just stop here. This has its ripple effect on their peers and the society at large.
The first set of children mentored under the Leadership Curriculum program were from Jharkhand and Karnataka. It was a pilot with one group of children from each state. While there were a lot of learnings from the pilot, the boost it gave to the children's dreams and aspirations and their confidence level was reassuring. Whether it was Shreya, the 5th grader who stood confident on stage during eVidyaloka annual event RUBARU in Bangalore, or Rohit, an 8th grader, who kept on talking about his dreams and goals in life without an air of fear or anxiety.
Participants from the Pilot of Leadership Curriculum Program addressing the Audience in Bangalore at the Annual eVidyaloka Event RUBARU
With the learning of the pilot, the program was rolled out again in Academic Year(AY) 18-19. This time equipped with a better mentor training and program implementation plan, 18 schools participated in the programme. The very idea of being chosen for this programme, then able to articulate their aspirations before a sizeable audience and then earning accolades, made not just them but their peers as well more confident and wanting to undergo this program. About 18 mentors and close to 80 children participated across all states in this programe.
The children set their own goals, which were accomplished over the next 3-4 months. While some wanted to deliver a speech in English, someone wanted to becomes a footballer. There were many who aspired to become a civil servant and teacher. Amidst the various goals, the intent to be able to contribute to their villages and community stood out as a common goal.
These girls wanted to learn conversing in English and presented an english skit during school assembly.
Students of Mentor Sharmila Roy talking about their projects to the entire class and community
Venkateswara, from Andra Pradesh wanted to learn Hindi in 3 months. He ended up giving a speech in Hindi during the school assembly.
Komala aspired to become a Teacher. She spoke about her aspiration during the school assembly.
The impact of this program was now visible. The children, the school and the community, all came to support the children in achieving their goals. It was not just about a program run by eVidyaloka, it was now an avenue for the children to realise their potentials.
The program took a step ahead as the next AY 19-20 was bigger and better. About 30 mentors and more than 130 children were mentored. Some inspiring stories and inspirations were created. While the format of the program remained the same, this time the children showed great keenness in participating. The goals set ranged from the usual desires to become a teacher, civil servant, conversant in English, to creating a smart village, water harvesting and girl's education. This time around, the children looked more focused.
Megha, student of Grade 7 wanted to save trees and reduce deforestation.
Tarun, student of grade 8 wanted to make his village a smart village
Saddam Ansari, student of Grade 8, wants to become a doctor. In his talk, he stressed on the importance of tress in human life.
Such has been the impact of the program, it is finding an apt shape during these times of COVID-19 pandemic. Eventhough the reach may be lesser, the idea is to shape the 2.0 version of the program. We plan to work with previous year's children and give their aspirations a better shape and avenue to success. With the hope that the children brings a ripple effect in their school, and the larger community through their projects, the Leadership Curriculum program will eventually continue to be that platform, where we are able to create leaders. These leader will fulfil their dreams and aspirations and foster their communities to live a better life.
Very true, beautiful and inspiring
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