The Union Ministry of Education is celebrating the fourth anniversary of the National Education Policy 2020 with a week-long campaign called “Shiksha Saptah.” This initiative emphasises community involvement in education through the Vidyanjali and Tithi Bhojan programmes, with participation from seven schools nationwide.
Vidyanjali, a school volunteer management programme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 7, 2021, aims to strengthen schools and improve the quality of education.
This is achieved through the involvement of the community, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and the private sector. As part of the Shiksha Saptah campaign, the Department of School Education and Literacy has outlined a series of suggested activities for schools to enhance community engagement.
Schools participating in the campaign are focusing on onboarding themselves to the Vidyanjali portal and identifying local volunteers who can provide support. These volunteers will be recognized on a “Wall of Fame” or a notice board within the schools. Additionally, principals, teachers, and students will write letters of gratitude to these volunteers, acknowledging their contributions.
Community awareness activities such as rallies, street plays, poster-making, and chart-making are also being organised to highlight volunteer activities. These efforts are designed to foster a sense of community and encourage more people to get involved in supporting education.
State and district-level officials are actively participating to ensure the campaign's success, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020's goal of increasing community participation in education.
The Vidyanjali initiative aims to create a strong support system for students and teachers by bringing together schools, volunteers, and the community. This collaborative effort is expected to create a better learning environment and improve the overall quality of education. Through the Vidyanjali portal, schools can connect with volunteers who can offer their time and expertise to support various educational activities and initiatives.
The Ministry of Education's Shiksha Saptah campaign highlights the importance of community involvement in education and the significant impact it can have on enhancing the learning experience for students.
By celebrating the fourth anniversary of the National Education Policy 2020 with such a campaign, the Ministry aims to reinforce the policy's objectives and encourage broader participation from all sectors of society in the education system.