Khilta Bachpan
Geographies Covered
60 government primary and upper primary schools in Delhi and 70 schools in Odisha, and slowly expanding to over 2000 more schools across the country
SDGs Covered
In Partnership with
Government Schools and Teachers
Campaign Rationale
In a scenario where education only deals with literacy and numeracy skills, children often lack in developing social skills such as sharing, coping-up with negative emotions, aggression and depression, team work, appreciating diversity and creative/critical thinking. The acquisition of these social skills for children is becoming increasingly difficult due to insufficient opportunities and platforms for them to express in a healthy manner, using creative forms.
In this regard, National Curriculum Framework (2005) recommended a dedicated period every day in schools for children to understand and practice art, and proposes forums like weekly Bal Sabha in schools where children can showcase their talents through various activities. Also, the Kothari Commission stated that “The neglect of arts in education impoverishes the educational process and leads to decline of aesthetic tastes and values”.
Currently, very few states have integrated social and emotional learning activities for children in school curriculum. Delhi introduced social and emotional learning activities in schools in 2019, and termed them “Happiness Curriculum”.
Campaign Focus
Art is known to be healing/meditative for children and teachers. It is inspiring and allows a different kind of space for free and creative expression. It builds self-confidence and develops listening skills along with an ability to work from part-to-whole. Art education provides students with avenues and platforms to creatively express themselves, channelize their energies positively and experience joy in doing so. This initiative aims to achieve the following:
- Building fine motor and problem-solving skills
- Enhancing communication and expression
- Promoting self-esteem and motivation to succeed
Campaign Summary
Under Khilta Bachpan we work closely with government schools to improve, expand and equitably distribute arts instruction. Khilta Bachpan enables the creation of an art-friendly atmosphere through advocacy for appointment of a dedicated art teacher (as mandated under the RTE), appointment of a teacher in each school as the point teacher for art education till a dedicated teacher is appointed and deployment of trained art education facilitators in schools who support the teacher in conducting the activities with children, including facilitating Bal Sabhas. Besides, we establish art corners in schools and develop a package of art education for children. We work towards creating, reviving and activating platforms for children to practice various forms of art on a regular basis and showcase their talents. Also, advocating for mainstreaming of art education in schools, we sensitize communities and School Management Committees on its importance.
Campaign Capsules
