SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, July 9: Dumarthar, a tribal village in Jarmundi block which is around 47 km away from Dumka district headquarters, has become the centre of attraction again for an innovative new idea of teaching toddlers (below six years) by turning electric poles into ‘blackboard.’
The villagers have written Hindi Varnamala, English alphabets and Santhali numerals on the electric poles of the village for toddlers to see and recognize them.
This idea is the brainchild of Dumarthar Government Primary School Principal Swapan Kumar, who shot into the international limelight for holding classes on streets by turning house walls into ‘blackboards’ during the Corona pandemic.
He said that under the New Education Policy of the central government the ability of learning and solve basic math problems has to be developed among children (0-9 years) by end of class 3.
“Since a child is admitted in the primary school only at the age of six years, I innovated this idea to give the knowledge of letters and numbers to toddlers (from 3-6 years) by writing them on electric poles,” said the principal.
Swapan Kumar said since there was no Aaganbadi Kendra in the village; he saw it as an option to teach toddlers (below six years). He put up the idea before the village head and with the help of villagers, painted Hindi Varnmala, English alphabets and Santhali numbers Meet, Bar, Pay (1, 2, 3) on the electric poles. As the village is tribal-dominated, besides Hindi Varnmala and English alphabet, he also wrote in the Santhali language so that kids catch it easily.
Swapan Kumar said so far, he has inscribed on all 10 electric poles of Dumarthar but aims to do so in other villages also where kids have no Aaganwadi Kendra facility.
“The electric poles have turned into Teaching Learning Material (TLM) as well as the centre of attraction for the kids. They learn even while playing in street,” said Swapan Kumar.
Dumarthar village chief (tribal head) Ram Vilas Murmu said village children see the writings on the poles while crossing by. A small child learns quickly by seeing. They will see them on the poles and would be able to identify the Varnmala, Alphabet etc.”
“We did not learn but our children are interested and this blackboard (electric poles) would pave the path for their studies,” he said.
Swapan Kumar said he is pleased to find that his innovative idea has succeeded. “I request the Government of India to prepare electric poles painted with Hindi Varanmala, English Alphabet and number in local languages which would help in developing learning idea among children.”
