Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: iTeach Phase-20 was conducted at two schools - Vinayaka Vidya Samsthe, Srinivasa Nagar, and Basavanagudi Government Primary School, where volunteers taught the students their academic syllabus and engaged them in various activities to help bridge the gap in their education and make learning enjoyable. EVENT DESCRIPTION: iTeach Phase-20, the flagship event of the Rotaract Club of BMSCE, was conducted from 21st November 2024 to 3rd January 2025 in two schools, where around 80 volunteers participated every week from Monday to Friday, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. The volunteers taught the students their academic syllabus as well as basic English and communication skills. The event’s primary focus was to eliminate the gap in their education and empower the children to pursue their academic goals. The students in both schools were pursuing their education in Kannada medium and were studying in classes 1 to 7, with each class consisting of around 25 students. Volunteers from various branches and academic years enthusiastically came forward to teach and share their knowledge. One or two volunteers were assigned to each class, teaching math and science as per the academic curriculum, along with basic English grammar and communication skills. These efforts helped boost the students' confidence, improved their oratory abilities, and enhanced their English skills. At the end of each day, activities were conducted to spark creativity and make learning more engaging. These included solving math puzzles such as Sudoku, brushing up on current affairs, reciting poems, speaking about the significance of important days, newspaper reading, storytelling, and other interactive activities that helped the students stay focused on their studies. The syllabus and activities were meticulously planned by the iTeach directors, ensuring comprehensive understanding and genuine interest in the subjects. Beyond its impact on the children, the project also benefited the volunteers by providing them with the opportunity to effectively convey intricate concepts to a challenging audience. The preparation began with an online meeting to discuss the course of the event and required resources. The team visited schools around Basavanagudi to identify those in need and suitable in terms of location and timings. After speaking with the principals of the chosen schools and obtaining their agreement, permission letters were drafted and signed by our principal and faculty coordinator. An online meeting was held to determine the number of volunteers and prerequisites for recruitment. The syllabus was drafted, and the volunteers were provided with soft copies of the syllabus and reference textbooks. Before the event commenced, an orientation was conducted to brief the volunteers about the event and the decorum to be maintained at the schools. Daily attendance was monitored through geotagged pictures uploaded to a shared drive, and volunteers updated the syllabus they covered each day to help directors track progress. In addition to the educational components, essential school supplies and resources were provided to ensure no hindrance to the children’s learning. Overall, the event gave the children a much-needed boost in their education, helping them catch up on academic skills they may have missed due to financial or social barriers. The personalized attention and creative teaching methods fostered a love for learning, built confidence, and empowered the children to believe in their abilities. The event concluded on 3rd January with a cultural event where the students showcased their talents in singing and dancing, creating an environment filled with laughter, positivity, and hope. . SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS: This phase marked the 10th year of iTeach. The math, science and english syllabi were taught creating a stronger academic foundation. The interactive activities helped overcome stage fright and boost confidence. Their general knowledge was improved through activities where current affairs and important political knowledge was taught, helping them become better citizens. IMPACT ON ATTENDEES: The event helped the students overcome the barriers which hinder their learning. It helped increase awareness and empathy among the volunteers about the challenges faced by the underprivileged communities. It gave the volunteers a sense of purpose and fulfillment by helping them provide an opportunity to be a part of a noble cause and give back to the society and might motivate them to become more involved in community service.