Explained: West Bengal's 'Paray Shikshalaya' or Open Air Classroom Initiative
On 7th February, the state government of West Bengal launched an open-air classroom initiative, popularly known as ‘Paray Shikshalaya.’ This initiative is part of the state government’s motive to reach primary education in every neighbourhood across the state, for classes I to VII. The objective behind this new initiative is to motivate students to continue with their education, especially the ones who had dropped out of school due to the Covid-19 pandemic crisis. Here's all about this innovative education campaign.
What is the Open-Air Classroom Initiative all about?
Schools across West Bengal that have open-air spaces to accommodate students will conduct the classes in those areas. However, schools that do not have this option may arrange for classes in parks and grounds near the school. Local councillors and MLAs have been given the responsibilities to help set up the infrastructure such as setting up a classroom with makeshift shades, chairs and desks, blackboards etc. in such open-air venues. The goal is to provide a real classroom experience to primary school students and help them learn and interact with their peers and teachers up front.
Why has the West Bengal Government taken this initiative?
Schools across West Bengal reopened on 31st January for classes VIII to XII. However, students of lower classes were still now allowed to attend physical classes and will continue attending their school online. Prior to this, in mid-January, several student governing bodies in the state such as SFI (Students Federation of India), ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad) and West Bengal Chhatra Parishad had taken to the streets across the state to demand reopening of schools for all classes. In fact, they were also shown support and solidarity by a large section of parents and medical practitioners. To meet such increasing demands for physical classes for younger students, the state government not only reopened the schools but also launched the ‘Paray Shikshaylaya’ initiative across several localities.
Who all are eligible for ‘Paray Shikshalaya’ classes?
Earlier, the ‘Paray Shikshalaya’ initiative was taken into consideration for junior school students, namely for classes I to V. But, students of classes VI and VII too were exempted from attending physical classes in schools. Keeping this in mind, students from classes I to VII were called in batches to study in the open-air classrooms. To add to the learning benefits, students will also receive mid-day meals as and when they attend such neighbourhood classes.
How was the response on the first day?
So far, the responses have been highly positive as students came in large numbers to attend open air classes. The scenes were quite enthusiastic and schools across the capital city Kolkata reported that about 50 to 100 students per school attended the classes, while maintaining proper COVID-19 safety protocols.