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Build your own Pathshala

  1. Ground work

  • A couple of dedicated volunteers having belief in essence of Pathshala and willing to devote for the cause.

  • A balanced curriculum of academics and engaging activities.

  • A place to carry out classes and other activities.

  • Collection of stationery, old books, mobiles, computer/laptops, etc from neighbours, friends, family, colleagues – anyone who is keen to contribute for the cause.

  2. Creating awareness

  • Identification of areas which have high concentration of poor and needy children (usually nearby slums).

  • Near-by government and small private schools with students who need extra help with studies and can’t afford tuition fees.

  • Spread the word – Talk to domestic helps such as maids, gardeners, drivers, newspaper vendor, Milk man etc to send their children and/or inform others.

  • School drop outs can be identified and targeted.

  • Spreading the information regarding Pathshala through pamphlets. These can be put up at various places like nearby slums, schools, colony, etc.

  • The pamphlet should contains all the necessary information like place of teaching, classes that will be taught, timings, subjects, etc.

  • An open session can be organised to interact with interested people like parents, students, school representatives, etc. they can be informed about our intentions. They can then be made to fill a form.

  • This form will have information such as contact details, their expectations from Pathshala, number of students, class, etc. This will give a rough idea about number of students to expect, their background, class, subjects, etc.

  • Admission form format and Pamphlet format – Available with us.

   3. Resource allocation

  • Initial traction may be tough, but if we remain persistent and make the classes enjoyable, the kids are sure to turn up every day!

  • Depending upon the availability of number of volunteers, space and time, the classes can begin.

  • Timetable for each class, attendance of volunteers and students should be maintained.

  • Basic amenities like black / white board, chalk / markers, dusters, class work stationery, washroom should be available. Students can be asked to bring their water bottles.

  • Slowly drinking water, furniture (table, chairs, cupboards), books, old computes can be made available for the students.

  4. Education

  • Begin with weekly classes focussing on establishing ‘A Connect’ with the students.

  • Weekly classes can be focussed on personality development & general awareness like art & craft, public speaking, basic hygiene, story telling. Everything should be in form of games with some rewards for the students.

  • Once you establish good connection with the students, take their feedback about which academic subjects they require help.

  • Basis their above requirement, a basic test in various subjects can be held to gauge the knowledge level of the students. This will help the volunteers to decide the level at which they need to teach.

  • Teaching should be more practical and examples from their surrounding for a better understanding.

  • Apart from regular syllabus, co-curricular activities too must be undertaken which students enjoy the most.

  • Regular competitions like essay writing, debate, quiz, etc. and annual functions including dance, singing, drama, sports etc. must be held.

  • Slowly you can roll out alternate day classes once your students become regular and volunteers become comfortable.

  • Try to prepare time table with back up volunteers if possible.

  • Once alternate classes become smooth you can plan for 5 days classes during the week.

  • Vocational skills ( such as grooming, baking and cooking, stitching etc) can be taught. Teaching a computer-based skill can be extremely handy.

  • Sports such as football, cricket, hockey help children come out of their shells and become better team players. Day long trips to science center, museum, etc, can be conducted. Get the parents of these children involved too – that way we can build a great sense of camaraderie amidst the children and their guardians.

  • In case of online class, all the volunteers and students must possess device (such as smart phone, laptop), internet connection, knowledge of teaching apps(such as zoom, whatsapp, google meet, etc). Such knowledge can be imparted if they are willing to ciintribute.

  5. Do’s and Don’ts

  • Regular feedback of volunteers, students and their parents will help to ensure better performance.

  • After every class, a revision plus short feedback about the method of teaching plays a vital role in sustainability of classes.

  • Leader(s) should treat each and every volunteer as a backbone.

  • Utmost respect and consideration should be given to every idea given by the team members.

  • Team work plays a huge role in building Pathshala. Never undermine the efforts of any volunteer.

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