The Kerala government has introduced a variety of academic and non-academic initiatives in state-run schools. These include India’s first ‘inclusive sports manual’ for differently-abled children and a special book for parents.
As part of the ‘Helping Hand’ initiative, the state plans to identify and assist children facing academic challenges. Furthermore, the ‘Beach-to-Bench’ program aims to foster the comprehensive development of children in coastal areas, encompassing academics, social skills, and sports.
State General Education Minister V. Sivankutty unveiled these initiatives for the 2024-25 academic year during a press conference. He highlighted the significance of a newly developed book for parents, which is part of the state’s curriculum revision. Sivankutty said that this is the first time in the country when a book is being prepared for parents. Available at four educational levels—lower primary, upper primary, high school, and higher secondary—the book outlines the physical and mental development of children and emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships between students, teachers, and parents. Additionally, the Samagra Shiksha Kerala initiative will provide training programs for parents.
The “inclusive sports manual” is designed to promote the sports talents of differently-abled school children and encourage their active participation. Sivankutty noted that this is the first initiative of its kind in the country, and competitions following the guidelines of this manual will be held in 2024.
The “Healthy Kids” initiative focuses on ensuring the physical and mental well-being of primary school children through sports and games. Developed by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and approved by the curriculum committee, the program has already produced two books.
To support autistic children, the government will establish Model Autism Complexes in all 14 districts, with a budget of Rs 37.80 crore. A total of Rs 121.21 crore will be contributed to the “inclusive education” programme for differently-abled children. This year’s annual school sports meet, to be held from October 18-22, 2024 in Ernakulam district, will feature an Olympic-style model, with a special logo, theme, and song.
The curriculum revision will also update textbooks for Classes 11 and 12, from the month of July, 2024. In addition, a national conclave with various educational agencies will take place in October under the auspices of SCOLE-Kerala (State Council for Open and Lifelong Education-Kerala).
Kerala will be the first state to train school teachers in artificial intelligence (AI), with 20,460 teachers already trained in May, 2024. By 2025, all teachers in Kerala will have received AI training, Sivankutty added.
(Picture Credit – Medium)
