Abstract

This module consists of a pedagogical approach that incorporates various experiences of empowerment-based education initiatives such as the ones practiced within Mahila Samakhya (MS), the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), social learning approaches (as practiced within CARE India), and other small-and large-scale models practices around the world. This module is developed as a flexible and responsive model that will adapt to the experiences and lessons learned during its implementation.

The activities that form the core of the module can be administered by anyone in the community – whether it is a teacher, a women’s empowerment group, or older children. Included in these activities are meetings, workshops, games, activities, and trips that focus on specific thematic areas that will allow adolescent boys and girls to understand the world around them. These thematic groups are: capability, safety, justice, inequality, and agency. Within these thematic groups, we have also categorised the activities, games, and other tools into two categories: Self and Ecological. The category of Self is further divided into: (1) Physical or biological, (2) Cognitive or academic, and (3) Emotional or psychological. The Ecological category consists of: (1) Cultural, (2) Social, and (3) Institutional. In reality, all of these categories intersect, interact, and influence each other, but for the sake of clarity and efficacy, we have engaged with multiple layers of these themes and categories. Thus, all our activities are geared towards continuous reflection and critical analysis so that the students, the teachers, and the collaborating partners (including the community members) are able to create a virtuous cycle of education, exploration, and engagement.

The module is aimed at ensuring that participating students, teachers, and community members are able to benefit from understanding the importance of equality, recognise the necessity of diversity, actively participate in democratic institutions, and foster a drive to question, fight and negotiate various forms of injustice.

CBPS. (2020). In-school mentoring module. Bengaluru: Centre for Budget and Policy Studies.