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Shanthala Leading the Way at Ramagondanahalli.

Home / Stories of Change / Shanthala Leading the Way at Ramagondanahalli.

In the heart of Ramagondanahalli unfolds the tale of Shanthala, a dedicated teacher whose love for her craft and children ignited a transformative journey. Eight years ago, she stepped into the role of an Anganwadi teacher. Despite undergoing training in preschool education, she felt a void in her ability to thoroughly prepare her students for school.

Shanthala Leading the Way at Ramagondanahalli.

Managing the Anganwadi alone initially, Shanthala’s path intersected with Makkala Jagriti, providing her with crucial preschool education training. This restored her confidence, opening a door of possibilities for her to come up with innovative ideas in teaching. With the arrival of a helper, she gained the gift of time, enabling her to delve into preschool activities, and domains of development, letting her maintain a consistent timetable.

Shanthala’s creativity thrived as she designed teaching-learning materials, such as flashcards, ID cards, and so on for the kids. Innovative teaching techniques strengthened her teaching practices. Her efforts were extended to parents, engaging them in crafting materials for their children’s education.

Her parent meetings evolved into platforms discussing the significance of preschool education and early childhood development. The result was a collaborative community, steadfastly supporting the Anganwadi’s needs, witnessing a transformation in its very essence. Ramagondanahalli remains a model learning center today.

Shanthala’s narrative encapsulates the remarkable evolution of a teacher who tirelessly seeks to enhance her students’ lives with her genuine efforts Shanthala epitomizes the profound impact one passionate educator can have on an entire community.

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How the education of one girl can impact generations ahead

Both of Mercy’s parents worked in the unorganised sector, who could not afford her school fees. She joined Makkala Jagriti Learning Centre at the age of 11, and always found the facilitators to be warm, welcoming and encouraging. Makkala Jagriti also supported her to pursue her education.

“We had a lot of freedom to explore our interests and talents. They taught us life skills and values. It was a new world for me.”

– Mercy

Through the Yuva Jagriti career guidance programme, Mercy received the right kind of insight and encouragement that led her to pursue a degree in Commerce, that too through a merit seat. Being the first girl in her family to study that far, she set an example in her community and made choices that allowed her to move beyond the circumstances that she was born into. Mercy now works in a reputed bank and is among our celebrated many who not only made a difference in their own lives but continue to do so in that of others.

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Prabhu was a shy yet playful boy when he joined the Yuva Jagriti centre at the age of 15. He expressed, “I feel I am at crossroads, not sure which road to take”. Following our support and guidance, he decided to pursue an internship at Makkala Jagriti. He was entrusted to work with children from Shelter Homes. Today, Prabhu is a sought-after Creative Facilitator and Coordinator at Makkala Jagriti, managing three Community Centres. A silent yet sound performer, he brings in diverse and highly creative ways to engage children and help them learn and grow.

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“When you are new to a place and don’t know anyone, it is hard to fit in. She didn’t have any friends in school.”

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Makkala Jagriti’s language development program came to her rescue.

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– Gouri, Coordinator

Through community celebrations and fun events, we involved community members in the Anganwadi activities. As their participation grew, their understanding about the significance of early learning and development also increased and they readily contributed to the centre’s development.

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“Through Anganwadi trainings, I have changed in a positive way and gained confidence about myself – especially in terms of catering to all domains of early learning. I have even started making learning materials by myself to teach children”.

– Nirmala, Anganwadi teacher, Rojipura

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