How loudspeakers are helping kids study in Chhattisgarh

The Chhattisgarh government had initiated an online learning scheme 'Padhai Tuhar Dwar' to enable kids to continue with their education amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many kids still don't have access to digital learning tools. Hence, kids are being made to sit at open spaces in Mahasamund district, where teachers use loudspeakers to teach them

Mahasamund (Chhattisgarh): In a unique initiative, school kids in Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund district, who were being deprived of education in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, are now being taught their lessons with the help of loudspeakers.

With all schools shut owing to the COVID-19 situation, the Chhattisgarh government had launched an online learning scheme called 'Padhai Tuhar Dwar' (Education at your doorstep). However, many kids, especially from the rural areas, were not able to avail this facility, as they either didn't own smartphones, or had connectivity issues.

It was then decided to use loudspeakers for conducting classes. Community halls and other such open public places are being used to teach the students.

Children are asked to wear masks and maintain social distancing. They are made to wash their hands quite frequently and use sanitizers as well. With students sitting as safe distances from each other, their teachers then use loudspeakers to teach them.

"Online learning is happening, but kids from rural areas were deprived of education as they didn't own smartphones or were having network issues. It was then decided that social distancing be followed and they be taught in this manner," said Cluster Resource Coordinator (CRC) Jageshwar Sinha.

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Mahasamund district has 1,957 schools out of which teaching is being done in 1,901 schools under the 'Padhai Tuhar Dwar' scheme. Around 85,000 students – both boys and girls – are availing the benefit of this scheme. Vijay Sharma, a teacher at Komakhan Higher Government Primary school, said that 220 students of classes one to eight are being taught with the help of one amplifier and four loudspeakers.

"I feel happy that we are finally studying. Earlier we used to get bored at home," said Neha Chandrakar, a student.

Apart from parents and students, even officers are happy that the kids are finally able to continue with their learning. District Education Officer (DEO) Robert Minz said that the 'Padhai Tuhar Dwar' scheme, along with the use of loudspeakers, was bearing fruit.

Read:No network, no phones - Koraput kids struggle with online learning