To transform the educational landscape in Himachal Pradesh, the state government, has initiated the ‘My School-My Pride’ campaign as part of the broader ‘Apna Vidyalay’ programme. This visionary undertaking seeks to enhance the quality of education in government schools by fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.
Academic Support Team to Strengthen Educational Foundations
Under the ‘Giving back to society’ initiative, the government is encouraging retired teachers, professionals, housewives, and community members to join the academic support team. Volunteers will offer their expertise in areas such as career counselling, guidance, remedial teaching, and yoga training, all without any expectation of payment or honorarium. This holistic approach aims to provide comprehensive support to students, addressing both academic and wellness needs.
Himachal School Adoption Programme (HSAP) to Promote Collective Responsibility
The Himachal School Adoption Programme (HSAP) is a pivotal component of the ‘Apna Vidyalaya’ initiative. It envisions a synergistic partnership between public representatives, administrative leaders, and skilled professionals to bring about positive change in government schools. The program encourages individuals and organizations to adopt a school of their choice, pledging support during teacher shortages or when regular instructors are on leave.
Addressing Teacher Shortages with Collective Efforts
The ‘My School-My Pride’ campaign actively urges dignitaries, including Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assembly, and officers, to adopt at least one government school as a School Patron. Simultaneously, officers within the education department are expected to adopt schools and serve as mentors, contributing to the overall improvement of the education system. The government is committed to implementing a robust monitoring system to ensure the effectiveness of this community-driven initiative.
Tech-Driven Transparency through Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)
To ensure transparency and accountability, the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is set to develop a dedicated portal for the ‘Apna Vidyalaya’ programme. This portal, accessible to the public, will facilitate online real-time measurement, monitoring, and corrective actions, reinforcing the commitment to excellence in education. This tech-driven approach ensures that the progress and impact of the initiative are visible and accountable.
Building on the Legacy of ‘Akhand Shiksha Jyoti’
The My School-My Pride campaign builds upon the legacy of the current government’s Akhand Shiksha Jyoti scheme. This previous initiative successfully encouraged successful alumni of government schools to return and inspire students, contributing significantly to the overall development of their alma mater.
The launch of the ‘My School-My Pride’ campaign marks a crucial step towards ensuring that every child in Himachal Pradesh receives a quality education, with the collective efforts of the community, government, and various stakeholders driving positive change in the state’s education system.
