In the emerging scenario, the survival of educational institutions will largely depend on their ability to formulate and deliver programmes of international standards .

A healthy body and soul is necessary for the development of self and the nation. Education is sought not only as it confers higher earning capacity on people but also for its other highly valued benefits. It gives one a better social standing and pride ; enables one to make better choices in life, it provides knowledge to understand the changes taking place in society ; it also stimulates innovations. No doubt, the spread of education across different sectors of the society should be ensured.

Tremendous growth

Inspired by this thought and also recognizing the ever widening needs of the educational sector, Shalom Residential Public School was established in 1997 at Chittur with a motto of “ Education for all under privileged.” The school, with 200 students , is built up in a vast area and has 14 talented and trained teachers to take care of the students . The school is in the process of getting affiliated to CBSE, Delhi. Apart from spacious class rooms, the school is equipped with a play ground and a well maintained library.

Since its inception, it has been making tremendous progress in the field of education. During this period it has earned recognition not only from its students but also from the society as a whole.

In December 2002, the Government of India, through the 86 th Amendment of the Constitution of India made free and compulsory education a fundamental right to all children in the age group of 6-14 years. Shalom takes the view that for truly sustainable development, social equality and economic development should go hand in hand. For a country that is now experiencing a rapid economic upturn, the need of the hour is economic development through primary education. Education is the foundation to build up a strong nation.

Quality education

According to Mr. Jayson Joy, Managing Trustee, Shalom Trust, “The school has been established in order to provide quality education to students, mainly from rural areas. Although we felt more improvements could be made in the school, we were happy to see important changes made there.” The school conducts classes from the fourth to the seventh standards. The school is residential, co-educational and provide education with a nominal fee, including boarding, text books and uniforms.

“ A cogenial climate is developed in the class room by the teacher towards the students belonging to scheduled castes and tribes. The school made it sure that no discrimination is made between the children of backward and other communities “, Mr Jayson further clarified. Teachers in the school provide equal opportunities to all students to participate in the curricular and co-curricular activities , including games.

Students coming from scheduled castes and scheduled tribes are likely to be deficient in their educational skills. To offset this , Shalom School is planning to provide some remedial educational programs. Adoption of instructional strategies, such as peer group learning, monetary assistance, and tutoring would help to improve the educational level of these students. Provision of outdoor games and activities, co-curricular and work experience activities will also help the students.

Moral values

In Shalom School, classroom learning is a replica of community life. Opportunities are provided to all the students to participate in community experiences in the classrooms. Our emphasis is to give practice in self help and manual work in the daily routine and training them to face any hardships in the life.

Games and sports are encouraged in the school. The teacher inculcate moral virtues to the students . Apart from inculcating the moral values, which are the basic requirement for a student, the teacher make it sure that the student learns more by practical performance rather than the study of books. The teacher work as a philosopher and guide and creates an environment so that the students are free to develop himself.

Formal education is provided in the school according to a predetermined and definite pattern. The students are required to follow the prescribed disciplinary rules at the school. It is completely structured in the sense that it has fixed curriculam. The education is imparted specially and consistently to a number of students in a class.

Education is the most powerful medium for the achievement of national and emotional integration. It provides the necessary inspiration for the students to work for unity. The education of the children is absolutely necessary to make them aware of the existing problems in the country and to suggest ways and means to overcome them.

Published in “Deepam”, inhouse magazine of Shalom Trust

January-March, 2007 issue