Approaches, Attributes and Achievements

Some unique features and noteworthy achievements of Sikshana include:

Creating a bigger and better vision

Every school is encouraged to have its own short- and long-term vision. This is displayed prominently in the school, along with a detailed plan on how these goals will be achieved.
Providing full-time mentors (one mentor for every 20 schools) who visit each school at least thrice a month to mentor children, staff and the community.

Providing financial assistance for students

The Sikshana Foundation offers one of the largest academic scholarships of its kind in the state. Nearly 1000 children are covered under a high school scholarship scheme that operates with an annual budget of Rs 15 lakhs. Each child receives up to Rs 1800 a year for 3 years.
In addition, it also supports non-academic talents in children through high school.

Improving teaching methods and motivation

Teacher training focuses on how teachers can open minds and create interest, rather than just teach.
Teachers are encouraged to do their lesson planning on the laptop provided to each school
Providing all our teachers with Total Quality Management (TQM) training on an on-going basis. The result: all Sikshana schools working with a goal or vision for the year.
Implementing a teacher exchange programme through which one of our teachers visits the USA for a month every year.

Facilities to encourage students and enhance learning

A multi-media centre, which includes a teacher’s library and broadband internet access.
A school library that is not stocked by third-party donations. Children are taken to largeand bookfairs and allowed to select the books they’d like to read.
An unlimited amount of writing paper (over 5000 reams at over Rs 5 lakh a year) to each child, so that speed and quality of writing improves.
One laptop and one desktop computer, with specialised educational software like eToys, to each school; for use by teachers and students 2GB pen drive (under the Personal Memory Chip project) to over 1000 children.
One lakh notebooks (at a cost of over Rs 10 lakh) to students every year.
Local language and English newspapers supplied to all schools. Children are encouraged to read from them during daily morning assemblies.
A supply of small “reward items” to every class teacher, to encourage student participation in classroom activities.

Sikshana (A programme of Sivasri Charitable Trust)NURTURING, EMPOWERING AND IMPROVING GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS