Learning Crisis

Students react as 34 years old Chander Singh Parmar, a teacher, recites a story through a singing and dancing activity during a classroom session as part of the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy programme in a govt. primary school at Bhaniyakhedi village in Kalapipal, Shajapur, Madhya Pradesh, India, July 2023. Chander Singh says, "The families nearby hesitated to send their children here, believing that a government school wouldn't provide the quality education their kids deserved. Amidst this challenge, I met a young boy named Sumit. Diagnosed with Down syndrome, Sumit had been a reluctant student. The classroom was a maze of confusion, and he often found solace in skipping classes or wandering away. The traditional methods of teaching, rigid and book-centered, seemed like an insurmountable wall for him. Reading and writing were a struggle. But then, the Ankur mission arrived. It was a daunting journey of understanding, of embracing new concepts and innovative methods, but slowly, I began to master them. And so did Sumit. Today, the classroom resonates with Sumit's laughter, a sound that once seemed like a distant dream. His eyes sparkle with newfound confidence, and he now eagerly participates in discussions. Our bond, once merely that of a teacher and student, has evolved into a cherished friendship. He calls me by my name, a testament to the warmth and trust we share. His battle with Down syndrome is just a part of who he is, not a limitation that defines him. With each step he takes, he defies the odds and marches towards a future that holds promise and potential, a future as bright as the twinkle in his eyes." "Sumit has taught me more than any textbook ever could – the power of determination, the beauty of a unique perspective, and the profound impact a single person can have on countless lives," he adds. CSF/India/Srishti Bhardwaj