September 02, 2016
Raipur, India: Sampark Foundation in collaboration with Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Government of Chhattisgarh flagged off implementation of Sampark Smart Class Programme across all government and primary schools in Chhattisgarh today.
Dr Raman Singh, Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh after observing the significant jump in learning outcomes of children said, “We are happy to see Sampark Foundation invest in Chhattisgarh and partner with us under the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Shiksha Gunvatta Abhiyan to bring smiles to our children studying in over 33,000 government primary schools. Smart Class is a very innovative intervention that is bringing excitement back into the class room and significantly improving learning outcomes as we saw last year. I wish everyone involved in the movement all the very best for the future.”
Vikas Sheel, Secretary, School Education, Government of Chhattisgarh said, “Schools located in hinterlands generally face lack of basic infrastructure facilities and adequate teaching capabilities. The usage of computers is not only expensive, but impractical. The programme is based on the use of an innovative audio device to support teachers in developing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills of the children. The voice mascot, “Sampark Didi” anchors a unique learning journey of the students.”
With an investment of INR 60 crores from Sampark Foundation, the smart class Programme is being successfully implemented in more than 33,000 primary government schools with 23 Lakh children. The objective of this joint initiative is to ensure that 80% of children are able to do basic Maths operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and use 500 new words to speak and write in English after a year of implementation.
The smart Class Program for Maths and English is a first of its kind intervention that uses three new innovations – 1) Audio device to assist the teacher in teaching English and Maths 2) 240 Audio lessons with music and songs combined with stories and games and 3) 3D teaching learning aids to make learning fun. This approach not only helps in creating excitement around learning but has also found worldwide acceptance.
“What the Smart Class Programme has achieved in one year is not only commendable but inspiring at the same time. The results of learning outcome assessment in the state have been very encouraging. The teachers are excited and ready to teach along with this innovative approach using an audio device. With this rate, I am sure we will soon climb the ladder in National level learning outcome rankings as well.” said, Kedar Kashyap, Minister for School Education, Government of Chhattisgarh.
Vineet Nayar, Founder Chairman, Sampark Foundation said, “We are glad to partner with Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Government of Chhattisgarh and invest Rs 60 cr in Sampark Smart Class transformation program in the state. The objective of the Sampark Smart Class Program is to ensure that every child in primary government school performs much better than their private school counter parts because of committed teachers using Sampark Smart Class kit to bring in a new revolution in education and making learning fun.”