YEAR 34grammangal.org/assets/reports/Grammangal-Annual-Report-2016-17.pdfNelson Mandela on Education...

ANNUAL REPORT 2016 - 17

YEAR 34

"CHILDHOOD IS FILLED WITH

NATURAL WONDER AND

CURIOSITY. THE LEARNING

ENVIRONMENT MUST REFLECT A

CLASSROOM AND OUTDOOR

SPACE THAT INSPIRES A SENSE

OF WANTING TO INVESTIGATE, TO

FIND OUT AND TO EXPLORE"

Kathy Walker

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I About Grammangal

Since its founding in 1982, Grammangal’s focus and efforts have been directed at improving the quality of

early childhood and primary education. From a modest beginning with running schools for tribal children at

Aine (Dahanu Taluka, Palghar District), Grammangal’s programs and teaching-learning methodologies

have achieved wider impact by benefiting several thousand children in Wai and Panchgani (Satara District),

Sangli, Nandurbar, and outside Maharashtra. Grammangal’s approach and methodology is based on the established principles of cognitive science,

brain-based learning and constructivism.

The student is placed at the centre of the learning process. Teaching-learning methodologies are grounded

in the principles of constructivist learning. Children learn on their own through structured experience with the

teacher’s main role being that of a facilitator of the learning process. Learning is a joyful experience, holistic,

and intimately connected to the local context.

VISION

DEVELOPING AND

PROPAGATING A SCIENTIFIC

EDUCATION SYSTEM

MISSION

About Grammangal

To strive for the basic right of every child,

which is, to receive quality education up to

the age of 18 on the basis of

▪ Equal Opportunity

▪ Without Discrimination

▪ In a Loving & Caring Environment

With appropriate facilities conducive to

learning

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I A Snapshot of Grammangal's Impact in Child Education

Palghar Anganwadi Project Impact

GM Schools – Number of Students

200

150

100

50

0 2015-16 2016-17

GM Educational Initiatives–Number of Students

150

100

50

0

2015-16 2016-17

200

150

100

50

0 2015-16 2016-17

SCHOOLS

A SNAPSHOT OF GRAMMANGAL’S IMPACT IN CHILD EDUCATION

Learning Home, Pune Vikas Ghar, Wai

60

45

30

15

0 2015-16 2016-17

Anutai Wagh Shikshan Kendra Vikramgad Muktasala, Aine


Governance

Board of Trustees………………………………………………………………………………………..………...1

Executive Committee .................................................................................................................................... 2

Trustee’s Message .......................................................................................................................................................... 4

President’s Message....................................................................................................................................................... 5

Operational Review for 2016-17

Infrastructure.................................................................................................................................................... 6

Organisation Restructuring ........................................................................................................................... 6

Programs and Projects .................................................................................................................................. 6

Challenges ahead ......................................................................................................................................... 7

Sincere Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................ 7

Big Leap Forward ............................................................................................................................................................ 8

Felicitating Shri Ramesh Panse ..................................................................................................................................... 9

Felicitations .................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Grammangal’s Programs ............................................................................................................................................ 11

Sincere Thanks

Dattak Palak Contributors .......................................................................................................................... 12

Helping Hands ............................................................................................................................................... 13

Other Donations ........................................................................................................................................... 14

Detailed Report

Schools ............................................................................................................................................................ 15

Grammangal Muktashala, Aine ................................................................................................................ 15

Anutai Wagh Shikshan Kendra, Vikramgad ............................................................................................ 16

Learning Home, Pune .................................................................................................................................. 17

Vikasghar, Wai .............................................................................................................................................. 18

School Quality Improvement

Sharadabai Pawar Vidyamandir School, Baramati .............................................................................. 19

Educational Quality Improvement Program (EQIP)

Year 3 of Teacher Capacity Building in PCMC Primary Schools….……………………………………20

Capacity Building of Palghar ZP Primary School Teachers ......………………………………………...20

Capacity Building of Palghar District Anganwadi Workers and Helpers.…………………………….21

Arise Whole School Development …......………….……………………………………………….............22

Publications...…….….……………………………………………………….………………………..………………........23

Patrons, Supporters Past & Present …………………………………….……………………………………………….24

Looking at 2017–18 and beyond………………………….………….…………………............................................25

Internships ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………26

CONTENTS

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Governance

RAMESH PANSE, FOUNDER TRUSTEE

Ramesh Panse is a pioneer in many ways. A University Professor-turned-voluntary

social worker, and now a well-known child-educationist in the State of

Maharashtra (India). Prof Panse's major contribution to society has been his

efforts at raising awareness, and acceptance of high quality, learner-centric

and development-appropriate childhood educational practice in the Indian

states of Maharashtra and Goa.

His approach is evidence-based and Prof Panse devotes considerable effort at disseminating current

knowledge among all stakeholders—government, educators, parents and students. Perhaps most

importantly, Prof Panse has led from the front in the application of theory and principles of child-learning to

improve learning levels, and in the development model preschools and primary schools.

AMLA RUIA

Head honcho of the industrial house of Ruia and a social worker, Amla Ruia is the

woman who brought water to hundreds of villages in Rajasthan. She is fondly called

the 'Water Mother' for the same.

AJIT MANDLIK

A service provider with multiple business interests. He is also committed social work.

RAMESH MANE

Expert in naturopathy and Physiotherapist of the Indian Cricket Team.

ABHIJIT PANSE

Social worker, a poet and artist

1

BOARD OF TRUSTEES GOVERNANCE


DR HEMCHANDRA PRADHAN, PRESIDENT

Dr. Hemachandra Pradhan is a scientist, science educationist and science

communicator. He retired as Director, Homi Bhabha Centre for Science

Education, TIFR. Mumbai. Currently he is also the President, Indian Association

of physics Teachers.

ARUN P KULKARNI, VICE-PRESIDENT

Former Reader in Economics at Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics. He

has an extensive experience in research and consultancy

ATUL THAKAR, SECRETARY, VICE-PRESIDENT OPERATIONS

IIT graduate & socially conscious entrepreneur, Atul has been associated with

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) for several years. His firm supplies a

range of products used in launch vehicle & satellites.

URMILA KARANDIKAR, TREASURER

Industrialist and social worker. She is extensively involved in the philanthropic

projects of the Rotary Club of Pune (West)

ADITI NATU, VICE-PRESIDENT PROJECTS

Smt Natu is an academic expert with contribution towards teaching and training

of Grammangal methodology.

2

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE


VINOD PANSE Accounts expert

ACHINTYA BAKRE IT professional working with ‘Infosys’ and the young Turk of the EC

SUCHETA PHADKE As a Learning Strategist, Ms. Sucheta Phadke has a wide expertise in the field of

content design, development and execution of various technology-based training

programs. She is passionate about using technology to bridge the gaps in early

childhood as well as adult education.

VIJAY LALE Shri. Vijay Lale is a scientist at Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, TIFR,

Mumbai. He is also the coordinator of the Kumar Vishwakosh (Biology and

environment) Project of Maharashtra Rajya Vishwakosh Nirmiti Mandal.

SADASHIV KULKARNI Shri Sadashiv Kulkarni is an artist by both temperament and profession. He is deeply

involved in several forms of creative arts – from paintings to even architecture.

3

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Trustee's Message

Education is a simple and complex process at the same time, which is

something that we at Grammangal believe that everyone must

understand, and what its objectives must ideally be. Most importantly, we

must also know the way young minds must be nurtured.

As Grammangal's activities and projects expanded in 2016-17 to include

more schools and teachers, potentially benefiting more children, I am happy

to note that our teaching-learning methodologies are gaining acceptance in the school system. For this, I

thank all members of the Grammangal family for their efforts.

We are looking forward to another eventful year.

Ramesh Panse

Founder-Trustee

SHRI RAMESH PANSE IS AN IDEOLOGIST PROPAGATING THE IMPORTANCE OF IMPLEMENTING

CONSTRUCTIVISM IN THE CLASSROOMS

4

TRUSTEE’S MESSAGE

According to him, following are the 3 premises of Constructivism :

1. Children construct their own knowledge from the experiences they get from their environment

2. Children acquire knowledge through images and symbols

3. Children build these images and symbols through their experiences

a. Schools should provide opportunities to children for acquiring knowledge using images and

symbols

b. Schools should undertake the responsibility to provide learning environment

c. Experiences should be based on activities. 'Learning by doing' is the best method. All

sensory organs are used together during this process. Children tend to remember

integrated images. This is specifically achieved through this process.

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I President's Message

The last year has been a year of both progress and challenges at Grammangal. At our

Aine Campus thanks to the generosity of Lions Club, Juhu a neat school building has

come up. Both our Aine and Vikramgad schools received recognition as self-financed

schools from Government of Maharashtra. Our major initiative of capacity building of

Anganwadi workers and helpers of Palghar District has progressed well. The ongoing

novel child education programmes, Learning Home, Vikas Ghars and those at Baramati

and in Rajasthan, continued with vigour. So also did the teacher capacity building projects for primary

schools at Mulshi, PCMC and PMC, and for Palghar Zilla Parishad schools. Our monthly Shikshanvedh is

succeeding in seeking new grounds.

In spite of the momentum and the successes, we are aware that there remain several challenges for

Grammangal, especially with respect to secondary school education and professionalization of

infrastructure. We have been trying our best to meet the challenges.

This year we felicitated, with great pleasure and pride, our founder Prof. Panse on completion of 75 years.

Prof. Panse has been busy giving his 12-day course on constructivist education throughout the state of

Maharashtra. It is a unique endeavour so much needed and yet not attempted by any institution so far.

In the coming year, I can say with certainty that, Grammangal with its spirit of dedication and confidence

gained through years of experience will continue its progress and remain a beacon in the field of child

education.

Dr. H. C. Pradhan

President

Nelson Mandela on Education

5

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

“Children of today are the leaders

of tomorrow, and education is a

very important tool to prepare

children for their future roles as

leaders of the community”

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Operational Review for 2016-17

2016-17 was a landmark year in the history of Grammangal. Many initiatives of the

previous year made good progress during this year.

I would like to briefly dwell on each of these achievements and progress and take

you through a historic journey.

Lions Club of Juhu offered to construct a new school building at Muktashala, Aine. After much study

and an elaborate approval process, which involved many visits by Lions Club members and experts as

well as sustainability studies, construction work started on 19th December 2016, Grammangal’s

Foundation day, in the presence of Chief Guest Smt Nidhi Choudhari, the CEO of Zilla Parishad, Palghar,

in the presence of a team of Lions led by President Paresh Kariya and Riddhish Shah and a large team

from Grammangal.

Grammangal’s organizational structure is evolving. A management team is now in place that

proactively responds to changing needs and new challenges. Difficulties encountered are being

addressed with suitable corrective & preventive measures for improved working.

Both Aine and Vikramgad schools have received government recognition as self-financed schools. Our

focus is now on quality improvement of student learning. A school academic committee has been

constituted. Its mandate is to guide the schools to the next level. I am confident that the results will be

visible very soon.

Grammangal’s educational quality improvement programs & projects remain the thrust areas for

propagation of our learning methods for the benefit of more and more young learners. I am happy to

report that there has been a substantial increase in number of students who have benefited, and that

the prospects of sustaining the momentum are bright. We are thankful to our CSR partners for making

many of these projects possible and successful. Kudos to our project team, which took our training

program to a new scale. Currently Grammangal can simultaneously train over 400 or more teachers

at multiple locations with 100 in each location. An exponential progression from the 25 to 30 teachers

being trained at a time, till recently.

Our projects at PCMC, Baramati and Mulshi continue as before with changing objectives as per

progress of the program. About 4000 to 5000 children get benefit from this initiative.

In addition, we added 10 ZP schools in Shirur Tal, and an upper primary school program for PMC

schools, to this program. Over some 1000 children will benefit from this initiative.

We also added a major initiative of nearly 1000 anganwadi’s in Palghar and Vasai talukas for

introducing pre-school education in the anganwadis for the children, which was overlooked

because of the focus on nutrition and health. We expect that about 30000 pre-school children will

be positively impacted in this initiative.

6

OPERATIONAL REVIEW FOR 2016-17

INFRASTRUCTURE

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

PROGRAMS & PROJECTS

ON GOING PROJECTS

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Operational Review for 2016-17

The Vikas Ghar program at Wai, Panchgani & Mahaballeshwar grew to 53 Vikas Ghars this year,

benefiting over 1500 children.

Grammangal remains committed to working with the Government of Maharashtra in its Pragat

Shaikshanik Maharashtra program for improving the quality of education in government schools

through teacher training. Although our teacher training project has been well received, due to

lack of financial support from the government or CSR initiatives, progress has been slow. So far, we

have provided training to over 1000 ZP primary school teachers in Palghar district. Potentially, about

30,000 primary school children are expected to benefit.

Our journey continues. Given our increasing reach and the growing number of beneficiary teachers,

it is also our endeavor to achieve a critical mass of schools, teachers and students so that the changes

and improvements become self-sustaining that constructivist teaching-learning methodologies are

imbibed in the system.

Challenges are inevitable and they are powerful learning experiences.

• Infrastructure and training centres at all 3 locations are being planned. The one in Aine is due to

be completed in the next year itself as it has served as a nodal resource centre for training. In

addition, we are looking at feasibility of having training centres at Vikramgad and Pune to meet

the increasing demand for teacher capacity building.

• The schools’ infrastructure is constantly being upgraded and new facilities need to be added.

• Funding for certain projects and schools is an area of concern.

• We need the whole-hearted support of the system which is necessary for successful

implementation.

• A major attempt is required to make Grammangal a household name in the field of child

education.

• One of the new approaches we are finalizing is an external agency evaluation of our programs

and projects which will help provide better inputs for course correction and reporting to partners.

A suitable agency has been identified for this purpose.

On behalf of Grammangal I would like to express sincere thanks and gratitude to our individual

and corporate donors, CSR partners, and well-wishers.

I would also like to thank every member of the Grammangal family for their untiring efforts to take

Grammangal forward at a rapid pace, with new achievements of scaling. This gives us

confidence to take it to the next level of scale.

To conclude, I continue to share the vision that Grammangal exists to make an impact on the

educational landscape to change the face of education in Maharashtra and India. Our focus

will continue on Programs and Projects which will deliver maximum impact on children’s learning

outcomes & by improving the system for sustainability.

Atul Thakar

Secretary

Vice President Operations

7

CHALLENGES AHEAD

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Big Leap Forward

LIONS CLUB OF JUHU, BHOOMI PUJAN AT AINE, MUKTASHALA

Prof Panse would often say, 'Do what needs to be

done even if it seems difficult in the beginning. People

will come forward to help”. His optimism and belief in

the goodness of people was often proved right.

For long it was our dream to provide the students of

Muktashala with more space and better facilities. That

dream will soon be realized, thanks to the generous

funding made available by Lions International, Juhu

Chapter.

The bhoomi poojan for the new school building for

Muktashala was performed on that day. When

completed, it will have spacious classrooms and

science laboratories.

Thank You, Lions !

PROPOSED DESIGN FOR THE NEW SCHOOL BUILDING

8

A BIG LEAP FORWARD FOR GRAMMANGAL

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Felicitating Shri Ramesh Panse

Shri Panse completed 75 years in 2016. This

milestone was sufficient reason for a

celebration, and to recall his sterling

contributions to the cause of child education

and the many ways in which he touched

people’s lives. Shri Panse, co-founder of

Grammangal with late Padmashri Anutai

Wagh, nurtured the organization through its

years of struggle to make its message heard.

Grammangal owes its present position of pre-

eminence in the field of elementary

education to Shri Panse’s efforts.

The Grammangal family, friends and well-

wishers, past students got together at Aine

on December 19, 2016. It was an occasion

to go down memory lane, recalling the

‘start-up’ years of challenges, hardship and

worry, success and tears, encouragement

and scepticism – all in equal measure. Many

of those present shared their experiences in

Grammangal and the various ways in which

Shri Panse became a part of their lives.

Shri Panse has been a friend, teacher,

mentor and guide to each one of us. We

wish him many, many years of good

health and happiness !

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

on the role of Educationists

9

FELICITATING SHRI RAMESH PANSE

“Educationists should build the capacities of

the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial

and moral leadership among students and

become their role model”

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Felicitations

A big thank you for your 20-year plus association with Grammangal

Sushama Padhye Aditi Natu Shantaram Themka

Shyamkant Sonawane Sangita Themka Amit Ebhad

Pramila Sonawane Yogita Bhamre Suman Kokani

Growing up together....

Working together...

Succeeding together

10

FELICITATING THEIR LONG ASSOCIATION WITH GRAMMANGAL

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Grammangal's Programs

Education’s potential to transform society is universally acknowledged and

many nations have made education a fundamental human right. In India, the Right

to Education Act was enacted in 2009, which guarantees quality elementary

education to all children up to the age of fourteen years.

The National Curriculum Framework of 2005 recommended learner-centric

methodologies to make education a stress-free and joyful experience, and enable

students to be lifelong learners. Grammangal has been practicing such a

methodology since 1982.

SCHOOL QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

Grammangal works with schools to

improve the environment, and guide

teachers to implement learner-centric

teaching-learning methodologies with the

overall objective of improving learning

levels of the students

PUBLICATIONS

Grammangal publishes Shikshanvedh, a

monthly magazine dedicated to disseminating

information and knowledge about the

education and learning-friendly teaching-

learning practices. The magazine features

scholarly articles by experts and eminent

persons in the field of education

SCHOOLS

Grammangal’s schools provide a joyful, child-centric environment in which students are provided

diverse learning experiences.

Grammangal Muktashala, Aine (Dahanu Taluka, Palghar District)

Padmashri Anutai School,Vikramgad (Vikramgad Taluka, Palghar Distict)

Learning Home, Pune

Learning Home, Wai

The schools also serve as learning laboratories for the organization in the quest to develop, test and validate improved methodologies that will improve students’ learning.

11

Rachanavadi Shikshan Pranali

Grammangal conducts Abhyasvargas

(Workshops/Seminars), led by Shri Panse,

on

“Constructivist Teaching Methods”

BALWADIS

(PRESCHOOL) AT AINE, SUKAPADA,

NAIKPADA

Grammangal’s Balwadis focus on developing

the motor, social and cognitive skills of childre

n in the age group 3 to 6 years

to prepare them for formal schooling

GRAMMANGAL’S PROGRAMS

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Sincere Thanks

DATTAK PALAK CONTRIBUTORS

Our school in Aine offers education to the tribal students free of cost. The expense incurred are raised

through various donations schemes. One of the schemes is Dattak Palak Yojana (Foster Parent

Scheme) where willing individuals make a monetary donation that takes care of Tuition Fees of a child

for the entire academic year. The scheme is not just restricted to monetary transactions. Parents are

updated with regular progress report of the child and mutual interactions at personal lever are

encouraged by us. Grammangal is grateful to all these parents for their generous contribution

Parents who contributed by adopting more than a single child

AMBARISH SATHE SANDESH LAD

KETAN DAMALE VINOD DESAI

PARAG JOGLEKAR PRITI RAO

TRUPTI PRABHUNE NANDKISHORE NERE

SADANAND BORASE ROHINI DAMLE

KSHITIJA KOLAGE RAHUL SUBHEDAR

Other foster Parents

12

AMRUTA GANDHE SUNITA KHEDEKAR RIDDHISH SHAH

KHUSHAL DHONDE KSHITIJ PANDE MIHIR THAKAR

KISHOR LULLA MANSI AAPTE USHA NAYAK

MEETA NAGESHKAR MUGDHA PRAKASH VAISHNAVI DESAI

SARIKA DANDWATE MADHURA DAMALE SANJIV ARORA

SATISH NATU YOGENDRA PATIL VAISHNAVI DESAI

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Helping Hands

Grammangal believes that every member of society must participate in social endeavours. We encourage

and welcome people to work with us and provide support in any way that they can, and make the

experience a mutually satisfying one.

As in the past, in 2016-17 too, Grammangal was generously helped and supported by people from all walks

of life. The support has come in various ways – individual donations, grants in aid from various

organizations, donations in kind, and from people who helped when needed. We are deeply grateful for

their commitment to the cause of education and their association with us.

63 individual donors contributed to Grammangal a total of Rs 26,67,294.00, besides corporate donors and

CSR Grants, enabling our efforts of child-centric education in our schools.

The following organizations provided financial support in the form of grants-in-aid for our Quality

Improvement programs and projects.

1. Agricultural Development Trust

2. DHFL

3. Edelgive Foundation

4. FIAT

5. Lions Club of Juhu

6. MAPRO

7. Pune City Connect

8. Tech Mahindra Foundation

There is much more to be done. Education is not just about teaching and grades; it is also about enabling

young people to grow as responsible and productive members of society. Grammangal wants to develop

the school infrastructure in Aine and Vikramgad to be able to provide the best for the students. We

depend on your support and help in this endeavour.

13

To the Lions Club of Juhu, without whose generosity and wholehearted support,

the new school building at Muktashala, Aine, would not have happened

OUR SINCERE THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT

DONATIONS

ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT

AN APPEAL

“The goal of education is not to increase the amount of knowledge but to create the possibilities for a child to invent and discover, to create men who

are capable of doing new things.”

Jean Piaget, Philosopher & Psychologist

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Sincere Thanks

14

Donor Donated Amount

Donor Donated Amount

Amol Sarmalkar ₹ 11,63,500.00 Sharad Wagle ₹ 10,000.00

Link Telecom Pvt. LTd. ₹ 2,50,000.00 Khushal Nandkumar Dhonde ₹ 10,000.00

Abha Vishwas Jeurkar ₹ 1,50,000.00 Urmila Karandikar ₹ 10,000.00

Vijay Broker ₹ 1,00,000.00 Sanjiv Vinayak Natu ₹ 10,000.00

Archana Khaitan Foundation ₹ 1,00,000.00 Rajaram Anant Desai Memorial Trust ₹ 10,000.00

Rajesh Panchamiya ₹ 1,00,000.00 Hemant D Dhanderphale ₹ 5,000.00

Iravati Bhaskar Modak ₹ 1,00,000.00 Pratibha Vijay Divekar ₹ 5,000.00

Sadanand Borse ₹ 50,000.00 Neha Sheth (Kulkarni) ₹ 5,000.00

Atul Thakar ₹ 45,000.00 Chittaranjan B Deo ₹ 5,000.00

Vinod Suryakant Desai ₹ 40,000.00 Vaishnavi Vinod Desai ₹ 5,000.00

Shree Pant Amatya ₹ 35,000.00 Mihir Thakar ₹ 5,000.00

Prasad Kale ₹ 32,500.00 Sanjeev Arora ₹ 5,000.00

C’Cure Building Solutions,Goa ₹ 30,000.00 Poligan ₹ 5,000.00

N.G.Bhosale Charitabal Trust ₹ 25,000.00 Riddhish Shah ₹ 5,000.00

Amrut Vinayak Kulkarni ₹ 25,000.00 Ravindra B. Joshi ₹ 2,500.00

Nandkishor Nere ₹ 25,000.00 Vijay Bhate ₹ 2,001.00

Trupti Prabhune ₹ 24,000.00 Megha Jayant Subhedar ₹ 2,000.00

Prof. Priti Rao ₹ 24,000.00 Sushama Milind Padye ₹ 1,075.00

Parwatibai Abhyankar Charitable Trust ₹ 21,000.00 Dhanshree Pratisthan ₹ 1,000.00

Gajanan P.Varde ₹ 21,000.00 Smita Jayant Joshi ₹ 1,000.00

Sanjivani Surgicals ₹ 21,000.00 Swati Mehendale ₹ 1,000.00

Padmanabh P Lele ₹ 20,000.00 Umesh Mali ₹1,000.00

Ambarish Sathe ₹ 20,000.00 Auradha Kale ₹ 1,000.00

Kamal D. Ambeskar ₹ 20,000.00 Jyoti Ram Gaikwad ₹ 1,000.00

Anonymous from Mumbai ₹ 17,000.00 Sangita Patil ₹ 1,000.00

Rohini Sachin Damle ₹ 17,000.00 Kavita Pawar ₹ 1,000.00

Sachin Vinayak Damle ₹ 16,000.00 Jyotsna Bhave ₹ 1,000.00

Nikhil Jayant Shrotri ₹ 14,607.00 Satyajit Godbole ₹ 1,000.00

Invotech ₹ 12,000.00 Mangal Natu ₹ 500.00

Amit Lulla ₹ 12,000.00 Yogita Bhamre ₹ 500.00

Sarika Yogesh Dandavate ₹ 12,000.00

Lakhani Classes ₹ 11,111.00

OTHER DONATIONS

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Detailed Report

MUKTASHALA, AINE

As in the previous years, Muktashala was the nerve centre for

Grammangal’s various activities and projects. Besides the regular

school activities, Muktashala was also the model for training

workshops, and a must-visit destination for the many who wanted to

see for themselves the effectiveness of Grammangal’s teaching-

learning methodologies. But 2016-17 will be remembered as the year

during which, a long-cherished desire began to take concrete

shape—construction of the new school building began on December

19, 2016.

The school year began with 85 students on the rolls and by the end of the year there were 170 students. A parent-teacher meeting was held on June 29, 2016 during which a Parents’ committee was formed. A separate meeting was conducted with the parents of the students of classes 8 and 9

This year, the students of classes 6 and 7 interacted with doctors and nurses and learned about their work. Interactions with professionals, such as this one, help students gain better understanding of people who serve us — and respect for them

Independence and Republic days were celebrated with cultural programs

• A children’s parliament was formed to encourage discussion among students. the topics are chosen by the students. This year the students discussed Tarabai Modak and Anutai Wagh

• Teachers from various training programs being conducted by Grammangal visited Muktashala to observe our methods and practices and gain a first-hand understanding

• The students of Muktashala went on a picnic to Sakhra Dam

• For both teachers and the students, the highpoint of the year was a four-day trip to Mahabaleshwar. En route, they stopped at Shivthargad, Raigad, and Pratapgad, alongwith a short trip to Wai

• We at Muktashala also wish to thank our large number of supporters and well-wishers who helped us in various ways—providing for uniforms, arranging special lessons in maths and science, books and learning material, organizing special programs hosting lunch and snacks on special occasions, and more

With our new school building becoming operational in 2017-18, we look forward to a brighter future.

15

SCHOOLS

DETAILED REPORT FROM PROGRAM/PROJECT HEADS


ANUTAI WAGH SHIKSHAN KENDRA, VIKRAMGAD

(TALUKA VIKRAMGAD, DISTRICT PALGHAR)

Vikramgad school has recently received recognition for secondary

section from Government under the unaided category. This

arrangement allows us to practice constructivist methods in the

classrooms without the operational restrictions that come along

with Government aid.

Looking back, there are many events that will be remembered for various reasons—enthusiastic participation and response, and the rich learning experiences they provide.

Special mention must be made of a few events:

World Yoga Day in our school on June 21, 2016

Tree Plantation drive in which 305 trees were planted with the participation of students and their parents, teachers, and forest department officials.

Eid-ul-Fitr, an occasion to reaffirm the brotherhood of mankind. The students also made the traditional dish, shirkurma.

A visit to an idol-making workshop during which the students interacted with the master sculptor and the artisans

Remembered Lokmanya Thilak's services to the cause of India'a independence on his death anniversary

At a Taluka-level handwriting competition, Vrutik Morgha and Kasturi Darbal respectively won the second and third prizes

A trip to the Union Territory of Dadra Nagar and Haveli. The children visited the dam, deer park, cricket stadium, and went on a lion safari.

Teacher Training

• Two teachers received training in school administration at Palkar School, Pune

• Leap for Word (Mumbai) provided training in English language

teaching to one of our teachers

• Seven teachers attended a seminar at Prakash Amte's Anandvan (Chandrapur District)

16


LEARNING HOME, PUNE

Grammangal is happy to report a steady increase in student

enrolments at Learning Home. There is also an increasing trend in the

number of inquiries for admissions most of which are through parent

referrals. We see this as a strong sign of growing interest in

Grammangal’s approach methodologies. This year also was packed with activities and events that not only

helped the students to learn, but also kept them connected to their

surroundings. We celebrated festivals, anniversaries and events with

the usual enthusiasm:

A fancy-dress competition with discarded clothes

Ashadi Ekadashi in which the students carried their books in a palkhi underscoring the message that we must treat our books with respect and care

Making clay models of Lord Ganesha

Making Rakhis with material sourced from the tribals of Melghat

Diwali and Christmas

Making kites and flying them on Sankranti

Flag-hoisting on Independence and Republic Days, and many more

The much-awaited trip to Aine school for two days of fun, play and some learning with their peers.

As part of their education, the students visited Fergusson College,

Bhandarkar Institute, the Film Institute, and a paper mill. They made a

trip to the ‘Bharatpur of Maharashtra’, Bhigwan, and were delighted

to see flamingos in such large numbers. The students also visited

Rupesh dada’s farm and experienced rural life, planting rice saplings

and participating in other farm activities.

Other child-centred events, which have become a tradition in

Learning Home – 'Bal-din' (Children’s Day), 'Bal-jatra' (Children’s Fair),

and 'Bal-nagari' (Children’s Republic) – were also conducted with

enthusiasm and full participation of students and teachers, and the

support of parents.

17

RICE PLANTATION

DAHI HANDI

BHIGWAN TRIP : FLAMINGO SIGHTING

LEARNING HOME 2016-17


VIKASGHAR, WAI

In 2016-17, the number of Vikas Ghars increased from 33 to 53 and

the number of students from 1277 to 2038. We have received

requests from the community to start 20 more. At Grammangal,

we see this trend as a strong sign of increased awareness of the

benefits of our constructivist-based methods of teaching learning.

As in the previous years, 2016-17 was also filled with activity.

New teachers were trained, an exhibition of books was organized

for teachers, and there were regular visits by ZP education

officials, who wanted to see first-hand the changes that Vikas

Ghars brought in the children.

The changes are visible. Activities have made learning fun. Group learning has improved student to student bond.

Most children in Vikas Ghar have become independent learners

and enjoy gathering information on their own. Teacher-student

bonds have also become stronger.

The resulting improvement in academic performance at school

was appreciated by parents, teachers and school

managements alike. As they say, nothing succeeds like success.

We are looking forward to an even more enriching Vikas Ghar

experience in the coming years.

The resulting improvement in academic performance at school

was appreciated by parents, teachers and school

managements alike. As they say, nothing succeeds like success.

We are looking forward to an even more enriching Vikas Ghar

experience in the coming years.

18


SHARADABAI PAWAR VIDYAMANDIR SCHOOL, BARAMATI

We have made classrooms into spaces for fun and learning. One of the

first things that we did was to remove students’ desks and other non-

essential furniture so that the pupils are able to move about freely. We

then removed posters and display material that the student couldn’t

relate to and, in their place, put displays of what the students did – their

artwork, essays, reflections and just about anything that the students

learnt and wanted to share with their friends. Teaching-learning materials

are also now within easy reach of the student. Learning has become

more autonomous. The students spend a lot of time learning in groups

and teachers are able to give more attention to students who need it.

19

SCHOOL QUALITY IMPROVEMENT


YEAR 3 OF TEACHER CAPACITY BUILDING IN PCMC PRIMARY SCHOOLS We completed three years of working with the primary

school teachers of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.

It has been a satisfying experience.

127 teachers of primary classes from 27 PCMC schools

were trained in Grammangal’s methodologies and

provided implementation support. Most teachers have

reported positive changes - improved attendance and

discipline, greater classroom participation and autonomous

learning.

Children are learning in groups, and at a pace they are

comfortable with. Today, there is greater bonding between

teacher and student. There is less stress on ‘silence and remaining

at their seats’. Instead, classrooms are beehives of activity. The positive

effects are felt in the students' home also.

CAPACITY BUILDING OF PALGHAR ZP PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

This project is a Grammangal initiative and has not received any funding

support Program Commenced in 2015 Direct Beneficiaries till date: About 1000 primary school teachers of Palghar ZP Schools Impact Potential for 2016-17: About 35,000 school children

Grammangal’s engagement continued in 2016-17. An additional 600 teachers received

training. So far, we have trained about 1000 primary school teachers of Palghar ZP schools in

constructivist methods.

20

GM’s Educational Quality Improvement Program (EQIP)


CAPACITY BUILDING OF PALGHAR DISTRICT ANGANWADI WORKERS AND HELPERS

CSR Partner: DHFL

Program Commenced in 2016

Direct Beneficiaries: 990 Anganwadi Workers and 800

Anganwadi Helpers

Impact Potential: About 50,000 pre-school children

The first year of our engagement with the Anganwadis

resulted positive changes, as the responses show. There has

been substantial change in the attitudes and motivational

levels of the AWWs. Supervisor visits reported lively

classrooms and close bands between teacher and

students. The children play, sing and dance. In fact they

look forward to the school day. In fact, some of them have

become vocal ambassadors of change.

Grammangal is happy to report that more than 850

Anganwadis will be joining the project in 2017-18. We

are looking forward to another rewarding and eventful

year.

Palghar Anganwadi Project Impact

21


ARISE WHOLE SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT

CSR Partner: Tech Mahindra Foundation Program Commenced in 2016

ARISE (All-Round Improvement in School Education) is a whole school

development program supported by Tech Mahindra Foundation.

Presently, it covers 52 schools from various parts of India. Grammangal

is working with eight Pune Zilla Parishad Schools in Mulshi Taluka of

Pune. Our engagement in the ARISE program is at two levels:

Training and Capacity Building of the teachers, and providing

them with the required academic inputs for implementing learner-

centric classroom practices.

Training of Supervisors from other organizations (Nari Samta

Manch, Urmi and Akshar) working on other aspects of school

transformation. These supervisors will observe and mentor the

teachers as they implement Grammangal's teaching-learning

methodolgies in their classrooms.

In 2016-17, 28 teachers and 11 supervisors received training. I am

happy to report that their participation was enthusiastic and

wholehearted. Most teachers, who implemented Grammangal's

constructivist-based methodologies post-training, had many positive

experiences to share.

Classroom arrangements were changed to provide more space to

facilitate movement and group learning. They said that their students

are eager to attend school and are more active in class. Teacher-

student relationships have also improved.

Grammangal is confident that the changes will be sustained and that

other schools will also be motivated to change their practices.

TRAINING OF SHIKSHAK SAHAYOGIS (TEACHER-TRAINERS) OF PMC SCHOOLS

CSR Partner: Pune City Connect Program Commenced in 2016 Direct Beneficiaries: 52 Shikshak Sahayogis (Teacher Trainers)

Impact Potential: The Shikshak Sahayogis will progressively impart training to about 2000 teachers of

PMC – run schools who in turn will be expected to implement Grammangal's teaching-learning

practices.

Training of Shikshak Sahayogi is a train-the-trainer project. Grammangal is training fifty-two trainer-

mentors from a group, known as the Shikshak Sahayogi Dal, to develop the skills and mindsets for

training teachers of PMC schools to implement learner-friendly and constructivist-based classroom

practices. The project began in 2016-17 and Grammangal is involved in training and monitoring

for the Sahyogis.

There was good participation and most Sahayogis expressed their happiness with training

program. Most of them who implemented Grammangal methods reported the ease with which

their students learned.

22

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Publications

SHIKSHANVEDH

GRAMMANGAL’S

TEACHING-LEARNING MATERIAL

PUBLICATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL AIDS SHIKSHANVEDH

The Print media has retained its

relevance even in this digital age.

It is effective in conveying the

desired messages to a wide

audience. To promote and

propagate principles of scientific

education and its practice,

Grammangal publishes a monthly

magazine in Marathi,

‘Shikshanvedh’.

‘Shikshanvedh’, in print for six years,

is an attempt to engage with the

wider community and forge a path

for fundamental transformation in

the way we help our children learn.

Shikshanvedh seeks to promote

solution-oriented discussions and

debate.

‘Shikshanvedh’ includes

perspectives of experts and

practioners in the field of

education, and takes a 360

degree view of contemporary

issues and demands.

Grammangal’s

Teaching-Learning Material

Teaching-learning materials

facilitate the learning process. Use

of teaching-learning materials in

the appropriate

manner motivates the

learner and increases his/her

involvement in the learning

process, relieves boredom and

provides an interactive

experience.

In primary and pre-primary

education, children can learn

abstract concepts by using

concrete material like teaching

aids. Also, with the help of

teaching aids, children enjoy

learning without any stress.

Grammangal has developed a

wide range of low-cost teaching-

learning materials that teachers

can use in their classrooms to

develop the cognitive, language

and math skills of their students to

the level appropriate for their age

and learning abilities.

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Patrons/Supporters: Past & Present

Aakar Charitable Trust ABIL Agriculture Development Trust DHFL Edelgive Foundation Lions Club of Juhu Loksatta Initiative (Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada) Maharashtra Foundation MAPRO Sir Ratan Tata Trust Shree Ramkrishna Charitable Trust (Fleetguard) Tech Mahindra Foundation UNICEF Vivek Sawant, Managing Director, MKCL Volkswagen

The above supporters enabled Grammangal to carry out some excellent activities resulting in

the NGO Leadership Award from the World CSR Congress

In the picture are Executive Committee members of Grammangal. From right to left - Dr. Hemachandra Pradhan, President,

Smt. Aditi Natu, VP Projects and Shri Atul Thakar, Secretary and VP Operations

24

GLOBAL CSR AWARD

PATRONS/SUPPORTERS: PAST & PRESENT

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Looking at 2017-18 and beyond

The year 2017-18 holds considerable promise for extending Grammangal’s

outreach activities:

▪ In March 2017, Grammangal entered into an agreement with FIAT India Limited for CSR

support to train teachers from Zilla Parishad schools in Shirur Taluka. Training will

commence in the Academic Year 2017-18.

▪ Teacher Capacity Building Project in PCMC Schools will enter its fourth year with more

schools and teachers. Program will be supported by the Tech Mahindra Foundation.

▪ The Palghar Anganwadi program, with the support of DHFL, will expand to include two

more talukas - Dahanu and Talasari. About 1800 more Anganwadi Workers and Helpers

will receive training.

▪ More Teachers from Palghar ZP primary schools will be trained in the Palghar project

under The Pragat Shaikshanik Maharashtra program. The project will eventually cover all

2240 ZP schools.

▪ Grammangal is searching for CSR support for this major and impact-making project for

child education in the tribal belt.

Several organization and potential beneficiaries have shown interest in Grammangal's

methods. We are optimistic that most of these will result in projects and take us a few steps closer

to our goal - quality education for every child.

Rabindranath Tagore on the role of Teachers

25

LOOKING AT 2017-18 AND BEYOND

Tagore gave an important place to teachers and asked them to

carry out the following activities:

1. Believing in purity and his own experiences, innocence of

child, the teacher should behave with him with great love,

affection and sympathy

2. Instead of emphasising on book learning, the teacher

should provide conducive environment to the child so

that he engages himself in useful and constructive

activities and learn by his own experiences

3. The teacher should always be busy with motivating the

creative capacities of the children so that they remain

busy with constructive activities and experience

4. Education can be successfully imparted by

understanding childhood and giving oneself totally in love

and union with it

Year 34 Annual Report 2016-17 I Internships

This year also, students of social work from

various Swedish institutes spent a few days at

Aine. This is a part of their month-long study tour

of India, which is expected to sensitize students

from developed societies to the conditions, needs

and issues in less-developed communities. During

their stay in Aine, they spent time with tribal

families and observed our schools.

Internships

Three students from Tata Institute of Social Sciences,

Guwahati, did a one-month internship at the Aine

campus.

“…I want to say is thank you for giving me this opportunity to work with Grammangal. It

became close to my heart. All the moments spent there were special. I never thought that,

within one month, I would meet such wonderful people. Indeed, it was a lifetime experience

of learning and appreciating life. The entire journey touched me. I would very much like to

come back to Grammangal and do something for the community.

Thank you so much, Tai. Thank you”

- Anushree, a student of Tata Institute of Social Science,

Guwahati, who interned with Grammangal

(Aine)

Grammangal thanks one and all - partners, associates, friends, students,

well-wishers- for being a part of this wonderful journey.

26

Evelena Lenehard

INTERNSHIPS – LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG ADULTS

MUKTASHALA


ABOUT GRAMMANGAL

Contact Information

Head Office: Gandhi Bhavan, Next to Poona Blind Girls School, Kothrud, Pune 411038 Phone Number : +91 20 2538 6687

Aine: Snehnagari, Post. Aine, Tehsil-Dahanu, District-Palghar 401404

Vikramgad: Anutaai Wagh Shikshan Kendra, Vikramgad, District-Palghar 401404

Email Id: [email protected]

Website: www.grammangal.org

Grammangal is registered under the Societies Registrations Act, 1860

Registration Number MAHA/1142/THANE

Registration Date 20 March 1984

PAN AAATG2138D

Trust Number F-1045

Donation to the trust is exempted u/s 80G of the IT Act 1961 vide CBDT

Circular Number 7/2010 dt. 27/10/2010

GRAMMANGAL HAS A PRESENCE IN IN VARIOUS PARTS OF MAHARASHTRA. IN THE THREE

DECADES OF ITS EXISTENCE, THROUGH ITS VARIOUS PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

GRAMMANGAL HAS GAINED RECOGNITION AS A SIGNIFICANT INSTITUTE FOR

EXPERIMENTATION IN EDUCATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, TESTING AND IMPLEMENTATION

OF TEACHING-LEARNING METHODOLOGIES AND PRACTICES.

GRAMMANGAL HAS ESTABLISHED BALWADIS, SCHOOLS AND VIKAS GHARS AT PALGHAR,

PUNE AND SATARA DISTRICTS IN MAHARASHTRA. GRAMMANGAL ALSO PROVIDES

TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMS AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL SERVICES.

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