Date:10/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/10/stories/2008081059550400.htm

New Delhi

New scheme launched in NDMC school

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit inaugurated a new “Bala” scheme at Navyug Primary School here on Saturday. Bala, an acronym for Building as Learning Aid, is a unique concept for improving the quality of education in primary and elementary schools.

It offers holistic plans for use of school infrastructure and ideas for activity-based learning, child-friendliness and focus on education for children with special needs.

Under the scheme, the school atmosphere creates a self-learning situation with materials accessible to children. Learning is peppered with fun by building elements on floors, windows, ceilings and doors of the classrooms, besides corridors, steps, outdoor spaces and terrace.

The New Delhi Municipal Council is the first municipality in the country to implement the Bala concept in its schools. The first such scheme was implemented at the primary school at Sangli Mess. The scheme will be implemented in ten schools .