Activity based learning
Child concentrating on reading
Secondary student performing experiment at Annual Exhibtion
Secondary students with their teacher
Learning colours through Montessori work
Learning numbers through Montessori work

MCGM Partnership

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In Mumbai, the responsibility of public education is shouldered by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) through about 1,180 Primary Schools and 49 Secondary Schools. The MCGM reaches out to about 4.5 lakh children and this huge access often comes with the risk of losing quality. The MCGM therefore invites non-governmental organizations with experience in education to support its initiatives and strengthen existing public systems.

Aseema’s partnership with the MCGM has been built over nine years through cooperation and trust. In this partnership, Aseema supports a municipal school by provision of teachers who are oriented to Aseema’s child friendly approach, making the learning environment stimulating and safe and creating a culture that respects the child and promotes learning.

In a school supported by Aseema, the medium of instruction is English and the state curriculum is taught in a way that makes it meaningful and fun. Co-curricular activities such as art, music, judo, sports, yoga, dance, cinema and theatre encourage expression and creativity. Student participation and parent involvement are inherent to the learning process and every effort is made to ensure that the child receives all that s/he needs to grow.

At present, Aseema is partnering with the MCGM in three schools. To read more about these projects, click on the tabs below:

Child Concentrating On Read
Children enjoying class
Child showing art work
Independence day celebration
Easel in classroom

The Pali Chimbai Municipal School in Bandra (West) is the first school that was supported by Aseema. When Aseema began working in the school in the year 2001, the school was on the verge of shutting down. It had only 100 children studying across 7 classes with 2 MCGM teachers. The classrooms were dilapidated and the drainage system was not functional. Along with revamping the school, Aseema introduced a child friendly learning environment and took on the responsibility of one additional class each year until we began managing all classes in the school from Stds. I-VII.

In addition to an Activity Based Learning method, a favourable student-teacher ratio and a well rounded curriculum, the children in this school also receive extra support classes in keeping with the Right to Education Act.

In the year 2008, a second shift of classes was started to accommodate the growing number of children. Today the school caters to about 600 children and can be regarded as a successful experiment in public private partnership.

Childrens
Pre Prim child concentrating on art activity
Pre Prim child writing
Pre writing skills in Pre Primary
Secondary student explaining project work to visitor

Aseema supports the English medium section of the Santacruz (W) Municipal School since the year 2007 and operates Pre-Primary and Secondary Section classes here.

Pre-Primary

At Aseema, we firmly believe in giving our children a strong foundation in the early years of their schooling and in making learning experiential for them. With this goal in mind, we set up a Montessori Centre at the Pali Chimbai Municipal School in the year 2000 which gradually expanded and was shifted to the Santacruz (W) Municipal School in 2007. About 160 children between the ages of 2.5 and 6 years now enjoy our three Montessori Centres which run in two shifts. Here the children are encouraged to learn at their own unique pace and to foster a lifelong love of learning.

On completion of their Pre-Primary education, the children may join the Pali Chimbai Municipal School for their Primary education and return to the Santacruz (W) Municipal School for the Secondary section.

Secondary

This Secondary Section is one of the very few available to children studying in the English medium in municipal schools. Here, our 60 children can access fully equipped Science and Computer laboratories, further develop analytical thinking skills and complete their formal schooling.

Children
Children learn concepts in Geography
Learning colours through Montessori work
Learning numbers through montessori work

Aseema’s involvement in the Kherwadi Municipal School began in the year 2010 through the Umeed Project. This project is a collaboration of NGOs – led by Plan India - working in slum communities of Bandra (East) and focusing on health, education, livelihood and advocacy of child rights.

In June 2010, Aseema took on the responsibility of the English medium section of this school and now operates classes from Pre-Primary to Std. IV. At present, the school accommodates close to 300 children with the promise of one additional class being started each year. In spite of being the newest of all our projects, this school is already showing results through an improvement in attendance and the creation of an environment that is joyful and safe.