- What was the aim and vision with which the foundation stone of the Child Education Society was laid?
Child Education Society(CES) was constituted in the year 1944 with the mission of providing quality education at affordable cost. Bal Bharati Public Schools, under the aegis of CES, were set up with the intention to cater to the burgeoning needs of the nation and to preserve the illustrious legacy of Indian history, culture and civilization. Today, 27 Bal Bharati Public Schools are value-driven institutions where core values of excellence, knowledge, wisdom, teamwork, sensitivity to the environment, patience, respect, perseverance, and empathy are internalized and inculcated in day-to-day functioning. - What is the educational philosophy followed in the institutions of the Child Education Society?
Child Education Society is committed to nurture and groom human beings into responsible citizens and future leaders to spearhead the cause of progressive education that inculcates modern values with cultural rootedness. We strive to augment physical, intellectual, social, moral and emotional development of children and foster a positive, empathetic and compassionate outlook.
3. Modern education demands consistent revamping and re-imagination of existing pedagogies. What innovative practices have been adopted by the schools to cater to the demands of the contemporary world?
We provide a congenial and supportive environment with ergonomically designed infrastructure in our schools, which is conducive to the promulgation of various innovative pedagogies. Upholding the ideals of ‘Learning by Doing’, children are taught through the play-way method, aiding their fine motor, intellectual and social development skills. At the higher levels, innovative teaching methodologies such as experiential, interdisciplinary and project-based learning foster holistic education along with strengthening thinking skills.
4. School education encompasses an all-round development of personalities. How do schools facilitate holistic education for children?
The Child Education Society is committed towards facilitating the cognitive, socio-emotional, physiological and spiritual growth of students. Learners are encouraged to take up Arts, Craft, Theatre, Music, Dance, Writing, Oration and Sports. Through field visits, experimentation and individual research-based activities, students can delve deeply into a subject and find real-life connections. Additionally, teaching aids such as realia, audio-visual media, music, and art tools are utilized to promote multiple intelligences and art-integrated learning.
5. The pandemic has transformed the dimensions of education with the introduction of virtually-enabled teaching-learning practices. How do schools keep pace with changing technology?
We believe, “A teacher can never truly teach unless she is learning herself”. At Child Education Society, we recognize the need for effective, result-oriented teacher training programs for ongoing quality improvement and enhancement of professional competency. As the world is undergoing rapid transformational changes, teacher training programs are developed to equip teachers with technology-driven 21 st century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creative thinking and collaboration. Continuous training initiatives have been undertaken and teachers are at ease using tools such as Kahoot, Mentimeter, Flipgrid, Padlet, Sway, Google Collab, Jam Board combined with Interactive Panels, Internet-enabled campus, Digital Libraries,Virtual Labs to make learning interesting and engaging enterprise. Hybrid Teaching has become a norm, which has led to personalized learning, increased flexibility, sophisticated assessments and reporting instant feedback and making students self-directed learners.
6. How does Sports, as a developmental and professional field, find a space in education? What opportunities do you envisage for budding sportspersons?
Late Sh L.R.Channa, erstwhile President CES, was a great proponent of sports. Being a Ranji Trophy player himself, he believed that Sports & Games lay the foundation of physical fitness, engender emotional development of students, instill values and teach essential life skills such as nurturing responsibility, leadership, collaboration and interpersonal relationships.
Under his mentorship, an avant-garde infrastructure for sports has been provided to students for games such as basketball, judo, cricket, rope skipping, chess, table tennis, cricket, softball, volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, athletics, archery, tennis etc. Minimum Physical Fitness Programme is followed in all Bal Bharati Public Schools, which has also helped nurture scores of sports persons. Meticulously trained by experienced coaches, students have been winning laurels for the schools and have blossomed into international and national players of repute, bringing glory to the nation.
We fully recognize that with sports as a profession gaining recognition and momentum all over the world, the possibilities for budding sportspersons are endless and Bal Bharati is committed to this cause.
7. There is a focus on value-based education now. How do you inculcate the finer values of empathy, compassion and sense of responsibility for the community in children?
Our schools aim to mould children into responsible citizens who with compassion, empathy, courage and wisdom use the power vested in them judiciously, steering clear of the quicksand of greed and myopic vision. We are committed to give wings to our future generations while making sure that they remain rooted to their values, culture and traditions. We have embarked upon country-wide noble missions such as Walk of Hope from Kanyakumari to Kashmir with the spiritual Leader Sri M for National Integration; YogYatra with Mokshayatan Yog Sansthan; and interactions with spiritual leaders like Brahma Kumari Shivani; HE 8 th ChokyongPalga Rinpoche for spiritual, mental and physical well-being. To foster the spirit of kindness, universal compassion and a strong value system, our schools collaborate with philanthropic organizations like Rama Krishna Mission, Satyug Darshan
Trust, SPIC MACAY, Virsa and many other social organizations.
8. With geographical borders receding in the digital world, what initiatives have been taken by the schools to foster a spirit of internationalism in students?
At Child Education Society,we espouse the adage ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, firmly locating ourselves as a part of the communal universe.
To develop international awareness and to prepare global citizens, numerous and varied Exchange Programs, Video Conferences, and international activities have been integrated as a part of all BBPSs’ curricula. Most of the 27 units of BBPS are the recipients of the prestigious International Dimension in School (IDS) by British Council; designated as PASCH Schools under the aegis of the Max Mueller Bhawan and have been engaged in varied virtual collaborations with partner schools and organizations including UKIERI, EUMIND, AEF, JENESYS, Fulbright, British Council Commonwealth
Connections Project and Generation Global Foundation. Many teachers have also been recognised as British Council School Ambassadors.
School leaders have paved the way forward by participating in leadership and student exchange programs with schools in Japan, Spain, Singapore, Mexico, China, Pakistan, New Zealand, Finland, Australia, Germany and UK.
9. What are the reasons behind the phenomenal success of Bal Bharati Public schools?
A strong communication and feedback mechanism with positive collaboration amongst stakeholders is responsible for the success of this eminent organization.
The contributions of the Parent Teacher Association and the Alumni Associations have been phenomenal in creating a legacy, laboured with love. Our focus on developing 21 st century skills and value-based education together with a strong faculty and sound management systems, make BBPS institutions a leader in the space of education.
10. How do you envision the future of the organization?
Child Education Society is a dynamic organization that takes its role in nation-building very responsibly. We have been evolving, keeping pace with shifting paradigms, trends and technologies to provide holistic education to the masses. Our aim is to transform lives through the virtues of modern education. With better infrastructure, new and experiential pedagogies, increasing digital literacy and soaring global linkages, we offer world-class education in the remotest areas of the country. As the journey continues, what remains steadfast is our fundamental resolve of providing quality education that is as much rooted in our heritage and values, as it is tempered by contemporary professional demands and technology.
NIKHIL CHANNA
President
