St. Xavier eco school, Ambikapur

Abstract

Education is also a major concern in rural India. There are large disparities between educational opportunities in urban and rural areas. Schools in rural areas often have fewer teachers, fewer resources, larger class-sizes, and higher rates of teacher absenteeism, inadequate infrastructure and a lower standard of English education (limiting student opportunities post school). This can be due to socio-economic factors, such as children being required to work to support their families rather than attend school. In addition, schools often rely on rote instruction from textbooks, thus lacking a focus on the ‘21st Century skills’ (leadership skills, communication skills, group work skills etc.) and ‘higher-order thinking skills’ (analysis, evaluation and creativity) that are essential for successful employability in today’s world. The most vulnerable children from within a 40km radius of the school campus will be learn at Eco School. The priorities underprivileged children, the children of migrant workers, the children of transient laborers and children from single-parent families. School will support these children through providing them with accommodation, food, clothing, school supplies, additional lessons and extra-curricular activities outside school hours. School will provide education for students from 1st to 10th Grade, with the capacity for 30-40 students per grade. The school will follow the curriculum set by the CBSE Board, which is necessary for certification. Main focus on delivering quality education relevant to life in the 21st Century. Whilst providing essential foundational skills, students will also be involved in active and collaborative learning, focusing on skills such as leadership, communication, group work, analysis, evaluation and creativity. School also aims to help students develop effective technology skills. As the Indian education system offers flexibility for private schools to run extra activities, School will run activities focusing on environmental education, such as involving the students in organic kitchen gardening.