Educational Programs

Vidya Akshaya Patra

Started in Bangalore in 2008 with 1500 children, this scheme was set up for students who need extra support in their academics. Guidance and training is given to children with grades of less than 35% in their school work. Teachers provide after-school tutorials to the students, particularly in Math, English and General Science. They are also provided with workbooks to prepare for their exams as well as wholesome nutritious food to help improve concentration and prevent classroom hunger.

The program has shown remarkable results. Within just 200 days of coaching, the children’s academic performance improved from 35% to 60%. They were also better focused and prepared for their annual exams. Due to this success, we also plan to launch this program in Hubli in the coming year.

Akshaya Life Skills
A joint initiative of Edumedia and Akshaya Patra, Akshaya Life skills was started with the vision of:
“enabling young children to develop into responsible social beings with a competence to respond to their personal, social & cultural needs”.

Today, it reaches out to 40 000 children with a mission to expand to 100 000 by the 2010-11 academic year. Akshaya Life Skills has the following components:

Life Skills sessions
“Life skills are abilities for adaptive and positive behavior that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of every day life” - W.H.O.

These sessions are designed to boost a child’s self esteem and increase its confidence. Life Skills covered by the program include self-awareness, communication, creative thinking, critical thinking, dealing with stress and emotions as well as interpersonal skills. The program is designed to help a child develop in all aspects.

Talent Development Program
This helps children realize their own potential, develops their talents and builds confidence. Participation in Debates, Essay Writing, Painting/Art, Quiz, Mehendi & Dance competitions is mandatory for all students.

Awareness Programs
A platform for children to participate in social and environmental projects, this program increases their awareness of issues concerning today’s society.

They are action oriented programs that are designed to help  students develop their overall people skills. Road shows, poster making, awareness camps, etc are conducted to create awareness among the students, their family members and the community they live in.

Leadership Development Program
Student Committees are initiated in schools for the analysis and development of Leadership skills.

Discipline, Cleanliness and Guidance Committees are the decisive committees, with 6 firm and responsible students leading each committee. The outcome of these committees has resulted in a sound environment in the school, obedience in students and great self-esteem among the committee members.

Akshaya Help Centers
Children need special help and assistance in dealing with their life issues and this is addressed through ALS counseling. The Life Skills sessions conducted follow the group therapy format. This brings out several personal issues of children to the forefront.

The entire Akshaya Life Skills team consists of trained counselors. They visit the schools every Saturday for children come to them with their issues and problems. Akshaya Helpline - 9900421027 was created to enable the children to seek personal help anytime.

Principal & Teacher Workshop
Teachers and principals are encouraged to revise their knowledge and understanding of subjects in this program. The workshop also enhances teaching skills and helps teachers deal with children’s academic issues from a fresh perspective.

Download a presentation on Akshaya Life Skills