In order to bridge the learning gap, remedial classes will help those children who are lagging on their learning. Similarly, offline education should continue since the schools are shut down following the imposition of nationwide lockdown, as the children have remained out of education for more than five months, said experts while participating in a State-level virtual discussion on the topic “Quality elementary education for all during Covid-19: Challenges and opportunities” which was jointly organised by the Odisha Shramajeebee Mancha and the Mahila Shramajeebee Mancha in partnership with Atmashakti Trust, New Delhi.Hrushikesh Mirdha, a youth volunteer from Goramal, Nuapada, has been teaching children in his villages since last 15 days. A migrant returnee, Hrushikesh couldnot stop himself when he realised that children of his villages were getting detached from education due to the school closure.
He joined Shramajeebee Bikash Mancha, Nuapada in their remedial classes initiative and he felt that remedial classes could be done following the Covid 19 norms.In another example, Subrat Mohanty from Udala, Mayurbhanj, told that class-V children in his working areas were not able to read class-II subjects.
Remedial class is helping them to come back to their education. Former Principal Secretary and a Member, Board of Revenue, Government of Odisha Dr Arabinda Behera, who addressed the webinar said , “Remedial classes are necessary to bridge the learning gap among children, for those who are slow learners”. “Also, our policy must embrace a common school system which could offer equitable education for all.
In addition to that, there is a need to recognise the critical role of teachers in imparting quality education in classrooms, ” Dr Behera stressed.
Director of the non-profit Agragamee Achyuta Das who also addressed the webinar, emphasised on the possible alternatives for revamping public education in the State.
The webinar witnessed more than 125 participants from across the State from diverse backgrounds ranging from Sangathan members, youths, education activists and representatives of NGOs/CSOs.