Korea (Chhattisgarh): Rudra Rana has been like a godsend for students who cannot afford smartphones or online education amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government school teacher from Chhattisgarh’s Korea district has been travelling to different locations, with the blackboard strapped around his bike, to conduct ‘mohalla’ (community) classes.
Rana told news agency ANI that many of his students did not have access to online education. As all educational institutions continue to remain closed due to the pandemic, he thought of this novel way to bring school to their doorstep.
“Very few students were able to join the online classes, so I thought of this method and started mohalla classes. This also ensures safety of teachers and students, as there is no contact. As students can’t go to schools, I am bringing education to their doorstep.”
Besides blackboard, Rana carries with books and placards. “It’s just like normal school routine… they perform prayers and then we start the lessons as per syllabus.”
Rana also educates students about the novel coronavirus. Students have warmed up to Rana’s innovative idea and are gradually showing more interest.
Earlier, another government school teacher Ashok Lodhi travelled on his bike with LED TV to educate children via cartoons and music in the district.
As for state’s role, the Chhattisgarh government had earlier launched an online portal, ‘Padhai Tuhar Duar’ to provide education to students stuck at home due to the lockdown.
In August, the state government introduced ‘Padhai Tuhar Para’ which aims to teach children with the help of the community in their localities and villages.
