Now, loudspeakers power learning for rural students

Lucknow: Everyday at 10am, Pragya sits on the steps outside her house, eagerly waiting for a signature tune which alerts her about the start of ‘virtual classes’ through loudspeakers.

A student of class 2 at a government primary school at Manikapur village in Sitapur district, Pragya does not have a smartphone but her determination to learn amid challenges of coronavirus pandemic remains strong.

Like Pragya, over 1,000 kids from 10 villages of Sitapur are taking lessons in basic mathematics and language through loudspeakers as, unlike children in urban areas, they do not have computers, laptops or mobile phones to attend virtual classes.

“It’s almost six months now that we haven’t been to our school. I am happy to open my books and study again,” Pragya says.

Taking a cue from a Jharkhand-based teacher, Shyam Kishore Singh Gandhi, who uses loudspeakers to hold virtual classes, the Shiv Nadar Foundation started similar classes a month ago in 10 villages of Sitapur district, covering 450 households.

“The programme makes learning exciting for underprivileged children who otherwise don’t have access to online classes during pandemic. The initiative is enabling them continue their education,” says Preeti M Shah who is associated with the project.

Loudspeakers for virtual classes have been set up at places where the number of students is high. They are put up on trees and walls in different locations to help students attend the classes.

After the introductory jingle which helps children gather learning material, interesting stories, songs and poems are played over the loudspeaker. The 90-minute fun-filled learning session also captivates villagers who are otherwise busy with daily chores.

“It’s good to see children studying despite closure of schools. The programme has connected the children with their books again,” says Bandevi, head of Manpara village, who took to the broadcasting centre to create awareness among villagers to allow children to attend classes.

According to project head Mayank Sinha, lessons through loudspeakers have generated enthusiasm. “Children are eagerly waiting to get back to classes as soon as schools reopen,” he adds.