Building Bright Beginnings: Transforming ECD of Shree Gyanodaya Basic School

Shree Gyanodaya Basic School is located at Chaughare-1, Konjyosome Rural Municipality, was established in 2050 B.S. (1993 AD). This school is offering education upto grade 8 for above 225 students. Incorporated during READ Child-II project, this school received significant benefits from its participation in 2nd and 3rd phase of READ Child Project. Currently above 23 young learners at Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) has been receiving direct benefit through the execution of READ Child-III. During the second phase of the project, Shree Gyanodaya Basic School received support to improve infrastructure, educational materials, and train ECD facilitators. Building on the successes of the 2nd phase, the school continued its collaboration into the third phase, which aimed to tackle new challenges and enhance the learning environment in ECD classroom.

During READ Child-III, the key improvements in the ECD included the creation of learning corners, a designated sleeping area, and the distribution of school bags, stationery, toys, and educational materials. These enhancements have transformed the ECD classroom into an engaging and supportive space for young learners, fostering independence, decision-making, and foundational skills. The classroom is now organized into specific learning areas like; language, literacy, math, construction, home. The new designated area “Resting Area” created during 3rd phase allows children to take a power nap when they are tired of their physical activities.

The impact of these changes could be seen clearly in the children’s joyful activities like; laughing, playing, singing and dancing freely in the classroom. These activities, which promote teamwork, self-discipline, and focus, create a structured learning environment that prepares children for formal schooling. Through play, they are learning about colors, letters, shapes, and sounds, making education enjoyable and memorable. Additionally, the introduction of a cozy, quiet sleeping corner allows children to rest and recharge, which is essential for their development.

Ms. Suntali Syangtang, ECD facilitator at the school for nine years, observes that the READ Child 2nd and 3rd phase project has significantly transformed the children’s engagement and growth. The structured learning corners stimulate their interests and curiosity, fostering essential skills like patience, organizing, and teamwork. She believes that these changes have not only enriched the children’s academic foundation but have also improved their behavior and discipline.

Head Teacher Mr. Yadav Mahat emphasized that the project’s support has fostered a more interactive and engaging learning environment. He observes that students now learn shapes, colors, and letters through hands-on, visual, and tactile experiences, making lessons both enjoyable and effective. This new approach has also facilitated improved classroom management and enabled teachers to provide more individualized attention to each student. Parents also have noted positive changes in their children’s behavior. Ms. Susmita Lama, a parents of an early childhood development (ECD) student, shared that her child has become more disciplined and actively applies what he learns at school at home, including organizing his toys.

Overall, the ongoing support from the READ Child-III Project has transformed Shree Gyanodaya’s ECD classroom into a model of child-centered, nurturing education. The enhancements in the classroom environment, teacher competencies, and student outcomes are establishing a strong foundation for the children’s future educational journeys, helping them develop the essential skills, independence, and confidence necessary for success.

Execution of this project has been successful with the financial assistance from Moving Mountains e.V. German.