Ryan International Academy’s “Each One Teach One” Campaign Sparks Literacy Revolution

October 04th, 2024:  Ryan International Academy, Hinjawadi in association with the Robin Hood Army, successfully initiated its annual ‘Each One Teach One’ campaign on World Literacy Day. This initiative aims to bridge the educational gap by providing free teaching support to underprivileged government school children of Mann Village, Hinjawadi.

The Robin Hood Army is a non profit volunteer-based organization that works to get surplus food from restaurants to the disadvantaged in cities across India and 10 other countries.

The third consecutive year of the drive witnessed an impressive turnout. Volunteer parents, students, teachers, and the school principal, all worked together, giving their time and expertise to the cause. Teachers and community members in Mann Village offered free classes each weekend. The sessions covered various subjects including literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills, serving students from nursery level through grade 12.

This year, the program has truly seen a significant increase in participation, 30+ volunteers from the school. Close to 45 children from the nearby slum areas attend this “Weekend Pathshala,” getting instruction in Marathi, Science, Math, English, and Social Studies, with emphasis on reading, writing, and problem-solving skills.

Sonika Kochhar Girothra, Principal of Ryan International Academy, stated, “Our ‘Each One Teach One’ initiative embodies the spirit of giving back to society, promoting literacy, and fostering community engagement. The progress we have seen in the children from Mann Village over the years is inspiring, and it is heartwarming to see our school community come together for this noble cause.”

The Robin Hood Army has played a crucial role in the program’s success by helping to reach out to children and form the student groups. Since its inception two years ago, the initiative has made notable progress, with students showing improved understanding of the English language.

While the program has faced challenges, particularly in student readiness and discipline, the school has addressed these issues by providing training on classroom behavior. To ensure the quality of instruction, an observer from the school oversees the sessions, and the volunteer group is carefully selected with a school coordinator for each group.

Looking ahead, Ryan International Academy aims to expand the drive to weekdays as well. The school measures the program’s success through increasing student and volunteer participation, with this year seeing an approximate 30% increase in student numbers.

The ‘Each One Teach One’ drive serves as a testament to the power of collective effort in creating lasting change, making literacy a reality for all. As the program continues to grow, it remains a shining example of community engagement and educational outreach.