10 September,2011 07:22 AM IST | | Kranti Vibhute
As part of the Teach for India programme, 3 teachers are holding classes to impart basic English skills to parents of pupils at the Mumbai Public School in Dadar
A parent's visit to her child's school is often looked upon with great trepidation for both parties, as it is often occasioned with some mischief or another by the child.
But these 27 mothers have no inhibitions accompanying their kids to school, as they are on the path of self-improvement. Three teachers have been offering them lessons in reading writing and conversing in English.
Meet Dhanya Yadav, Neha Sahu and Pushraj Rajan.
These three teachers, who volunteer for the NGO that assists at the Mumbai Public School, Dadar, have been offering lessons in basic English, to 27 eager moms. Each lecture continues for one-and-half hours, and classes are held twice a week.
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The classes will be offered for the entire academic session, and the most meritorious moms will then pay it forward by teaching a fresh batch of moms next session.
The trio of teachers is also on the lookout for self-help groups that can find jobs for their students, so they can use their newly developed language skills to be self-reliant.
Yadav said, "Each year, we undertake new projects this year we decided to work for female empowerment. We held a meeting with the parents, and tried to gauge their needs.
We realised that most parents wanted to learn English, and decided to grant them their long-cherished wish."
Sahu said, "Some parents wanted to learn the language to help their children at home, and save the hundreds that they spend on tuitions.
Others wanted to be taught English so they could learn computer skills and then obtain employment. Many dads also wanted to join these classes, but their long working hours prevented them from doing so.
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The moms are being taught through the use of the progressive phonic programme. Soon they will be able to read and write English, and also conduct conversations in the language."
Parent speak
Chhaya Solanki, a parent who has been sitting for these classes, said, "I like attending these lectures. I want to help my child with her homework, instead of sending her for tuitions.
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We were first taught the basics, like the alphabets. The teachers conduct tests regularly, so they can evaluate our growth. I feel confident already."u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0
Madhu Parmar, another parent, said, "Our lectures are held twice a week, from 3 to 4 pm. I try to finish all my household chores so I can concentrate in the classes."
Sonali Waghela, said, "As soon as I reach home, my son comes running to see what I have learnt in school. We check each other's books. After I complete the course, I will work somewhere to support my husband."u00a0
Vaishali Solanki said, "I practice while talking to my daughter. It's a lot of fun."
