What is Grameen Balbhavan?

Quality Education Support Trust (QUEST) has been running the Grameen Balbhavan Programme in 12 villages of the Wada Block of Thane district over the last 3 years. Grameen Balbhavan is a ‘school plus’ programme for the students of pre-primary and primary schools, to strengthen the foundation of learning. Educated village youths are trained to become 'Balmitra', to conduct Balbhavan activities with children of Grade 1 to 4, before and after the school timing. The teaching-learning activities are conducted in a child-friendly atmosphere, using specially developed books and materials.

In addition to this, activities such as sports camps, sky gazing, drama, and origami are occasionally organized through Balbhavans.

QUEST has also been working with Anganwadis in 6 villages to provide support for Early Childhood Education (ECE). The Balmitras are trained to help the Anganwadi workers to use various teaching-learning materials to enhance the students' readiness to learn.

Another initiative under this programme is the Doorstep Library, to reach out to the literate adults and children in the village, to promote a 'reading culture'. It is observed that a 'Central Library' does not work in the rural set-up because of a scattered habitat - the people do not have enough time and motivation to reach such a place. It is therefore planned that the Balmitra will take a selection of books to the doorstep of the members. We intend to reach out to at least 25 households in each village. This will create a print-rich environment within the households of the students undergoing the literacy programme at the Balbhavan.

Balmitra

QUEST trains local youth to work as 'Balmitra'. The word Balmitra captures their role effectively - it means 'Friend of the Children'. We identify young persons who have studied at least upto Std. XII, and who have a desire to find a meaningful career opportunity within the village. 

On a typical working day, the Balmitra engages in the following activities at the Grameen Balbhavan:

Balbhavan Grade 1 & 2: 2 hours (Morning shift)

Anganwadi: 2 hours (Afternoon)

Balbhavan Grade 3 & 4: 2 hours (Evening shift)

In addition, the Balmitra visits the members of the reading club in the village as per a predetermined schedule to distribute books; and is also expected to put in some hours every week at the office for administrative work.

This work keeps the Balmitra quite active through the day and he/she is able to engage meaningfully with the children and adults of the village.