AAP's PTM plan for Delhi govt schools a hit; miles more to go still

Mega PTM in Delhi Schools

"We would often call parents to PTM before this. Turnout of such events would not be more than 20% at best," says Sanjay Kaushik, Vice-Principal of Government Girls Sec School (GGSS), Kondli Gharoli, Mayur Vihar. "This time, the scale of the entire event is quite grand. Radio ads were played. hand-made invitations were sent out. The School Management Committee (SMC) members personally visited all the parents. We have also arranged for light refreshments," he adds.

An initiative under the newly-launched 'Chunauti 2018', the Delhi Government is trying to reach out to the parents through this Mega PTM.

"Currently there is a communication gap between school and parents, which means there is a gap between educators and society. There needs to be a change in mindset. Every government student should have an 'I can do anything' attitude. Nothing is impossible. This attitude will translate into values and principals, which will further translate into rules and ultimately, betterment of society. PTMs and SMC are helping us work toward it," says GGSS school pricipal Anshu Bhardwaj.

"It is neccessary to make parents understand the importance of studies. Earlier, they would consider government schools to be useless. But now we are trying to change that perception by bringing in a change in the environment," says Ranjana Prasad, District Coordinator of SMC members in five constituencies and 87 government schools in East Delhi.

Also Read: AAP is working to improve government school education. With feedback from 1 teacher at a time

Turnout

At first, the sheer turn-out of parents in both the schools is a little hard to believe.

In GGSS, Kondli Gharoli, it seems all parents decided to land up in the school together, ignoring the water-logging and muddy streets. After talking to student volunteers sitting outside each class with an attendance sheet and few School Management Committee( SMC) members, we find out parents of 1170 students, out of a total strength of 1300, have attended the PTM.

By the time we reach GGSSS New Kondli, the Mega PTM is almost wrapping up. SMC members inform that parents of 3500 out 4000 have attended the event.

Parents, Teachers, Government & Challenges

At GGSSS Kondli Gharoa, this reporter sat at the back of the class (trying to be invisible), witnessing the PTM in action. The class teacher, conversing in Hindi, updates one mother about the child's development, performance in class, strengths and weakeness, and finally, asks if she has issues. The mother complains that the child doesn't eat. Conversation moves back and forth.

Just before the mother is leaving, the teacher says, "Aapko Ladli scheme ke baare mein pata hai na? Karwa lijiye." (Are you aware of the Ladli scheme? Get it done)

The mother, expressionless, asks, "Kaise?" (How?)

The teacher explains her the details and helps her with the paper work.

Through the PTM, the government is trying to reach out and help girl child and the economically weaker section. Though a good initiative, most teachers end up exhausting themselves over paper work and extra load. "We would like to focus on teaching, but sometimes the all the other stuff is overwhelming," says a teacher anonymously.

Lack of infrastructure is another major concern faced by school management.

"We don't have sufficient number of classrooms," says Principal Bhardwaj. "We have a total of 27 sections, out of which four sections sit in the library and laboratory. We need more rooms," she emphasises.

Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia's ministry, well aware of such problems, has been trying to improve the infrastructure. At GGSSS Gharoa, construction of a new school wing is in full force. The government has also roped in guest teachers to help with the shortage of staff.

But some challenges need a more sensitive approach.

"About 10 to 15% parents in my class send their children just for the mid-day meals," admits Preeti Thapar, who teaches class VII. "They send children just for benefits such as money for uniform, free books and food. We ask them, not just to focus on basic necessities, but on the larger picture. We tell them education will help their children in many ways. But it's a long struggle," she says.

"Forced by circumstances, some students end up working post school hours. Our challenge lies in helping such children," she further adds.

The turnout on Saturday shows that the Mega PTM is a step in the right direction - bridging the gap between parents and educators. But for the AAP government, there are miles more to go.

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