Bridging the gap

PARENTS SEEKING admissions for their children in good schools should visit some in the neighbourhood after school hours.! I'm sure you think thats a crazy suggestion. Well, not actually. As I discovered to my pleasant surprise, only recently.

Several schools in the city have started providing recreational facilities for kids after school hours. Considering the fact that most children live in apartment blocks with no play area or lack companions to play with, this facility seems to be a good alternative. Schools, as such, are in a good position to offer an opportunity for physical activity, considering the extensive infrastructure needed for the purpose. Children make use of the school ground, play equipment and in some cases have a well qualified coach too. Nowadays, in urban areas, both parents work full time, making after school security of the child the prime concern. What better security can the child possibly have than the familiar surrounding of his own school?

As the child grows, the burden of homework, tuition and other responsibilities increase, with no time left for rest and relaxation. The television and computer games are the only avenues for entertainment before homework or tuition time takes over. Although a majority would agree that this is not the desired situation for children, few can offer better choices.

Schools like St. Michaels, Adyar, have come up with a novel solution to bridge the gap between the needs of all children for wholesome and inexpensive pastime and the resources needed to support these. PASTAM ( an acronym for St. Michaels PTA) has come forward to start some interesting activities for the pupils of the school. Once a week parents volunteer both their time and talent to bring a host of well planned activities within the threshold of the school. Not only is the idea quite extraordinary, for rarely is the PTA known to be so proactive, but the areas being explored are contemporary and very challenging as well. Youth Parliament. Media, Do-it Yourself are some choices open to the seniors while Fun Games Art and Craft keep the little ones engrossed. Interestingly, most parents are professionals in the field or are able to seek such help without professional charges!

All this sounds like the kids are having a great time, but what about the parents? I was surprised to hear that parents wholeheartedly support this unique effort and have enrolled their children in as many activities as possible. The children participate on a non-competitive basis (all are winners of course!) As no fee is charged, kids have an exposure to a variety of careers in an informal setting.

At Bala Vidya Mandir, Project Games is under way. Ms. Sriram, the Vice Principal, believes that children are more active and alert in class with better team spirit which is reflected in high quality team projects and events. Despite the initial reluctance on part of parents to send children an hour earlier to school , today they are more supportive of the schemes.

Throughout the city, more and more schools are offering good recreational facilities for their pupils. At the AMM School, Kotturpuram, children play football, basketball and volleyball in the evening. They receive excellent coaching in basketball from Mr. Pandian, a professional player himself. Serious training in athletics goes on in Anna Gem Park , St. Johns too.

It is obvious that schools do invest in infrastructure, necessary to conduct such activities, involve professionals in training the students and help parents to look at education as means to develop the personality of the child and not be confined to imparting the three Rs.

SHUBA SUBRAMANIAM

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