Making Education More Inclusive & Far-reaching

What is Prakriya International School's unique aspect that makes it a 'School of the Year' award winner?

At Prakriya International School, one of our standout practices is the way we welcome students, particularly new students, on their first day. Unlike other schools, we provide each child with a special welcome kit, which serves not only as an introduction to the school but also as a warm gesture to help them feel part of the Prakriya family. The kit includes informative and educational content, combined with fun elements, designed to make the transition into school smoother, especially for new students.

This thoughtful approach helps alleviate the anxiety that children often feel on their first day, especially when joining a new school. It fosters a sense of belonging right from the start, making the school environment more welcoming and less intimidating.

In addition to the welcome kit, we also engage our senior students in welcoming the younger ones. On the first day, older students from grades 9 to 12 personally greet younger children as they enter the campus, help them with their bags and escort them to their classrooms. They also give the new students a tour of the campus, helping them familiarise themselves with their surroundings.

This initiative creates a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, helping new students feel comfortable and integrated into the school community from day one. These practices, which combine warmth, care and peer support, are part of what makes Prakriya International School stand out and worthy of the 'School of the Year' award.

Young children are the hope for a better and enlightened future of the nation. How does the school ensures to develop a sense of social responsibility in students?

At Prakriya International School, instilling a sense of social responsibility in our students begins with fostering an awareness of our diverse culture and community. As a rapidly developing nation, it is important for students to understand and respect the different backgrounds and communities that make up our country. To achieve this, we integrate community studies into our curriculum, teaching students to respect the communities they belong to and encouraging them to appreciate the diverse perspectives of others. Our cultural studies programmes help students understand the various languages, traditions and backgrounds represented within our school and society at large. To further this understanding, we involve students in community development activities. For example, as part of our school study initiative, students participate in visits to orphanages, traffic parks and interact with individuals from key community sectors, such as the police force.

Additionally, we engage students in CSR-led activities and social work projects. One of our significant collaborations is with a local study centre that educates children with extreme learning difficulties, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds. At this centre, students not only gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others but also take an active role in teaching and helping these children develop vocational skills, ensuring they have opportunities to support themselves even if they are unable to complete their formal education.

Through these initiatives, the school ensures  that students develop empathy, respect and a strong sense of responsibility toward society, preparing them to contribute positively to their communities and the nation as a whole.

There have been rising cases of male children as young as the age of 14-15 years being involved in sexual abuse and assault against female children. What in your view are the reasons behind this and what role may schools play in sensitising students about this?

The rising involvement of young male children in sexual abuse and assault is deeply troubling and often stems from harmful environments or personal experiences of abuse. Children who harm others may be reflecting the negative influences they have encountered. It's crucial to assess their family and community backgrounds and ensure they are not left in unsafe, unsupervised situations.

Schools can play a key role by raising awareness about respect, consent and boundaries. By fostering open discussions, implementing safeguarding policies and collaborating with NGOs, schools can educate children on the importance of empathy and healthy relationships. Ultimately, preventing such incidents requires a joint effort from families, schools and society to protect and guide children responsibly.

How do you look at the future of Indian education system?

The future of the Indian education system is poised for significant transformation as the country rapidly progresses on multiple fronts. India is on the verge of a major revolution and the education sector will likely undergo a substantial upgrade in the coming years.

One key area of change will be the integration of digital learning. As distance education becomes more accessible, we can expect digital platforms to play a crucial role in breaking geographical barriers, making education more inclusive and far-reaching. Examinations may also shift to digital formats, streamlining assessment processes.

Another important development will be in vocational training. Early career paths and skill-based learning will likely be emphasised, enabling students to acquire practical skills even during their school years. This shift will help students gain secondary sources of income and financial stability, equipping them with tools to succeed in various industries alongside traditional education. Overall, the Indian education system is on the brink of embracing more modern, flexible and inclusive learning approaches that will benefit both the students and the nation.

Upasana .

BW Reporters The author works as a Senior Copy Editor with BW Businessworld and currently handles the education vertical. She has done her Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (NER Campus, Aizawl).