At Aasha, one of the common challenges faced by teachers is that of instilling a sense of discipline in the children. Part of their restless and playful behaviour stemmed from their modest circumstances where even two square meals a day are sometimes a luxury. These kids needed that extra layer of nurturing and tutoring that went beyond the content of government-aided textbooks.
Children are generally a curious lot. They thrive on creativity and learn better when forms like storytelling are incorporated. When Aasha roped in its core team members to brainstorm innovative ways to keep the playful kids engaged and interested, they agreed upon using such techniques. Having professional storytellers and artists volunteer was the universe’s way of shining a torch. One of them is Anurita Argal Acharya who has designed the workbooks, props for storytelling, developed storyboards, and activities for kids as a part of the content team.
Anurita’s props were an instant hit with the kids as they could relate to the stories better due to the visual aid. She created simple placards with pictures of fruits and animals, something young children love. These came in handy to make the children form a line to enter the classroom in a disciplined manner or divide them into groups for activities. The workbook carried stories in the form of a comic strip which aided in longer retention and recall. There was a marked improvement in students’ progress in learning newer words and grasping the nuances of the language. Anurita helped Aasha go from concept to design even as she had her hands full from being a mother to a toddler. Her gratification came from seeing her work make an impact on these children’s lives.
Anurita has graduated from the prestigious Srishti School of Art Design and Technology. She won the second place in the ‘work on paper’ category at the London Biennale Festival 2019 and made it to the shortlist for the World Illustration Awards 2020. Anurita is also a freelance interior designer by profession and the co-founder of the firm The Design Monogram.
We, at Aasha, are indeed fortunate to have such accomplished people join hands in the noble cause of educating as many kids as possible. The future is in having an equitable society. When socially conscious citizens walk that extra mile, the goal becomes achievable.
– Uma Chellappa
Aasha Infinite Foundation 