Source - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/88739.cms
Class of equals
Pune has its fair share of 'alternative' schools. Those that used intriguing models to reform the education System.
Among these, two stand out simply because they dare to have normal, and children with special needs, in the same class, studying together.
Aksharnandan and Ankur Vidyamandir are two schools in the city, that follow the State education board syllabus, but integrate students not only of different economic backgrounds, but of different mental levels as well.
While Aksharnandan began in 1992 and is Marathi-medium, Ankur began in 1988 and is English-medium. Both the schools follow methods of teaching that turn traditional educational models upside down.
While at Aksharnandan each class has not more than 35 children, at Ankur there is a teacher for every six children. Till standard four there are no prizes and good work is rewarded by being displayed on class walls.
Both schools have separate fee structures for children from different economic backgrounds, eliminating any discrimination.
Fees for children with special needs are also subsidised.
Vidya Patwardhan, co-ordinator of Aksharnandan says, "Our school aims at integrating children of different capabilities and economic strata. We believe every child has a right to good education, which is possible by integration of the head, heart and hand."
Madhuri Deshpande of Ankur Vidyamandir adds, "Our’s is an inclusive school, where 60 to 70 per cent of the children are normal and 30 per cent are disabled."
The idea behind mixing such children stems from the fact that by smooth integration, challenged children are exposed to normal children, and normal children are sensitised to their needs.
"In this era of information explosion, we just want to arm our students with the right tools to gain knowledge," Patwardhan says, adding, "We want the children to be exposed to the world outside their text books; to bring the outside world into the classroom."
Dr Jyoti Shirodkar, whose daughter Shalmalee is studying at Aksharnandan says, "I always wanted my child to go to a school focusing on overall development, and not just in the rat race. Basic activities are inculcated into their schedule. Like they were given handkerchiefs and taught how to wash them. Children are taught songs in all languages. Homework involves talking to their parents or spending time in the kitchen."
Reena Varma's daughter Aditi is nine-years-old and suffers from borderline Down’s Syndrome. In the first standard at Ankur, Reena is very happy with the effect studying with normal children has had on Aditi. "She speaks fluently, helps with household chores and plays with children in our building. She acts like a very normal child," says Reena.
