Methodology: Questionnaires and case studies
Language: English
Catalysts: Raj Janagam
Youth Fellows:
Jui Gangan
Ashilata Karandikar
Satya Naidu
Kiran Karande
Sagar Shinde
Prasant Tande
Shweta Joshi
Coordinator:
Manoj Tank
About the Subject:
1.Why Primary schools (vernacular medium schools teaching in South Indian languages) in Mumbai are speedily shutting down or switching over to English medium?
2.Is that happening because South Indian people living in Mumbai are not willing to send their children in these schools?
3.What are the factors forcing South Indian people to send their children to English medium schools?
4.If this will continue then a time will come when no school will provide education in South Indian language. How will the children of these communities learn to write and read in their mother tongue?
Challenges & Learnings:
Ten students of Ruia College, who were disturbed by these questions, came together and started their research to find answers. Most of them had received their primary education in the South Indian schools in Mumbai.
As a primary source of data they collected Newspaper articles on functions of the Education Department of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, collected statistical data about schools in Mumbai using Right to Information (RTI). They also collected secondary data from South Indian people living in Mumbai.
The group prepared a 20-minute street play and enacted it in two communities. After their performance they interacted with the people of communities and got their responses. In addition, the group members organized six community events where they interacted with parents of children who were studying in South Indian schools and NGO representatives working in the field of education.
The group learned coordination and time management while coordinating with community members, NGOs and Government authorities.
Conclusion:
Most parents said that they did not prefer to send their children in South Indian Medium schools as these students lack competency in English language. They wanted their children to learn English well, which they felt was necessary for their bright career.
End Product:
The group prepared a short video documentary and a pencil box with a message printed on it.a
