New beginning

Progressive Education Foundation now runs four Indus Academies and one Joybells School under its umbrella in rural Andhra Pradesh.

Why name Christmas

It was a moment of happiness and delight for all children in Suryapet Indus Academy when they celebrated Christmas in their school. The four room school was decorated with Stars, Jingle bells, Christmas tree, flowers and children were waiting for the Santa in their school. Finally Santa came and met all children in school and he also brought his friends along with him from local church. Brother of the Church Mr.Selva was most happiest to see the celebration and he interacted with the children. Explaining the meaning of Christmas as it is the Mass of the Christ, also explained why it is celebrated on 25th Dec and why Christ has come in this world. Children had cut Christmas cake and Santa served the biscuits to the children.

There was a participation of youth from the church and local community members appreciated the school for celebrating such events. They also did pray for children and the school

Thousands of children learning affected

Well, you are all aware that Andhra Pradesh has witnessed worst floods in the last hundred years and two districts were totally submerged due to Krishna river water.

It was estimated that over 800 schools were totally effected in these floods, that means many thousands of children have lost their learning materials and resources.

Indus Academy mentors who understand what learning material mean decided to help the children and flood victims, there was buzz over internet among all 9 schools and discussed about various alternatives to help. Finally they decided that they will donate their one day's salaries to Flood Relief Fund.

Its very commendable that though Indus academy Mentors earn very less, they decided to help for the good cause. We have raised Rs.10,000 from Indus Academy team and donated for flood relief.

Parents are Partners in School Education

Schools are very powerful institutions in the world which built the nations. Traditionally Schools are institutions that work independently, isolated from community and very less interaction with the parents. At present still school teachers are so powerful in many remote villages where parents dont dare enough to enter in to the school and interact with the teacher about their children performances.

Many studies concluded that to ensure quality, access and equity in schools parents must become partners in school education. But it is not so easy to change the mindsets both for parents and teachers as well,where they invite each other in to their secured zones.

Many theories of parents participation in school reminds that participation happens gradually in steps, first one being schools should create an environment where Parents should feel free to come to the school and they should be given respect and space for themselves and encouraged to express their feelings and ideas.

In order to create such space for the parents in rural areas, Indus Academies celebrated Ramzan and Dasara. Parents and other community members are invited and given Iftar party. Though this is a very small event, but holds lot of value in the community. The perception of community will totally change and they feel that school is meant for themselves as well along with their children for their studies. This also gives lot of confidence for all mentors and coordinators that the total community is standing along with them to achieve the core purpose.

Happy Dasara and Ramzan

Dasara - Ramzan

Dasara is one of the biggest celebrations in Andhra Pradesh and Ramzan being very auspicious month for all Muslim community. Indus academies celebrated Dasara by performing Ramayana by the children in all locations and given Iftar for all parents on eve of Ramzan. It is important to understand the significance of festivals by each one of us as it is a part of our great culture.

Children over joyed when they came nicely dressed up like Rama, Sita and Ravana and their performance made all parents feel that this is the best opportunity to make children understand why they celebrate Dasara.

Bhikshapati parent of Pavan, who played as Ravan in Ramayana said "the Indus academy celebrates all festivals and make children learn about various festivals of nation, today I requested my neighbors to come to schools to attend celebrations and even they also felt very happy. Congrts for all children who acted and all teachers for their hardwork".

Why Dasara
The Dasara is a mark of victory of the great Hindu God Rama (Ramachandra, son of Dasharatha (The King)), for his victory over Ravana in the Ramayana. When Rama had returned to Ayodhya after a very long period, there was a celebration for the victory over Ravana. Also on this day, the Pandavas returned to their home. They had hidden their weapons in trees. This tree then got famous as the golden tree and on this festival people exchange leaves of this tree as a celebration of happiness and victory over evil. People do pooja of books, gadgets, vehicles and weapons on this day. It is one of days where every moment (muhurtha in Marathi) is considered auspicious in the Hindu calendar. People usually buy new things and celebrate Dasara with great joy and happiness.