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DAV: Changing the mindset
- By Pratima Adhikary Auckel
- Published 13th June, 2008
- Education
- Unrated
Pratima Adhikary Auckel
Copy Writer with News On Sunday/Financial News that also includes Industry Update. Holds a BA(Hons) and an MSc from Vishwa Bharati, Shantiniketan. She also writes features and news. She has worked for CAPART (Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology), Ministry of Rural Development, India.
View all articles by Pratima Adhikary Auckel
His Holiness Swami Akhilanand Ji Maharaj founded the college. It was set up to cater for the growing needs of youngsters who wanted to pursue their secondary education. This was also a significant event as it provided new educational opportunities to girls whose education was often hindered by traditional beliefs and prejudices.
The doors of this school are open to all Mauritians, irrespective of creed or colour, giving special attention to the poor and the needy students. Now a full fledged institution, it comprises modern buildings, sports complex, fully equipped science laboratories, library, art room, computer rooms, audio visual rooms and specialist room for home economics, fashion and fabrics, and design and communication.
Moher Dharamdeo, Rector of the school, says: “In spite of having a population mostly from the average and below average CPE students, our academic performance has always been above 65% at the SC and above 60% at the HSC.”
The administration of this school feels that total education and deve-lopment of the pupils depend on the right balance of academic and non academic activities. Moral education and human values are its two striking aspects. At DAV, the morning assembly starts with a prayer and classwise the students perform the Yajna with an officiating priest in the hall.
Teaching values
Deeya Domah, Deputy Rector, says : “After the prayer for about twenty minutes, the priest delivers a talk on values to the pupils. We try to relate everything to all the principles of the Arya Samaj. It is a rare school where pupils, irrespective of religion, are part of such value-laden atmosphere.”
“Owing to a change in lifestyle, many families don't have enough time to inculcate values in
the children. At least we are trying to fill that vacuum.” she adds.
Discipline is a sensitive issue and much talked about these days. Acts of discipline, started at an early age will definitely help in making a better tomorrow. The DAV administration firmly believes in moulding its pupils from Form I as soon as they join school.
“We are rigorous and advocate values and discipline, but not oppressive and abusive discipline. Our strength is that we believe more in student-centred approach. For a better solution, be it discipline, learning difficulty or any problem of the pupils, it is very important to listen to them. It has to be an individual approach. All teachers need to talk to students in a more positive way. Children come with a mindset of flouting all the rules and regulations. If we are aggressive, they will react negatively. We strongly believe in that, and keep a good rapport with them,” Deeya adds.
The school has many low achievers. Special attention is paid to them. In fact, the school keeps a record of each such student to diagnose their problem. Help is provided to hardship cases and needy students.
Low achievers
Deeya says : “The low achievers are also guided throughout their stay. Although it is now that the PRB has made it mandatory for extension classes, we have been doing this since long. Our teachers conduct supplementary classes during holidays, stay after school hours and help by repeating the lesson and notes. Needy students having financial problems are given free tuition. The teachers here work in team and run workshops to find means and ways to help the low achievers.”
The Rector also attributes the success of the pupils to the hard work and dedication of the teaching staff.
“Teachers share a huge responsibility in empowering their students with appropriate skills and attitudes. As role models, we make it our duty to motivate and inspire students,” Dharamdeo adds.
The doors of this school are open to all Mauritians, irrespective of creed or colour, giving special attention to the poor and the needy students. Now a full fledged institution, it comprises modern buildings, sports complex, fully equipped science laboratories, library, art room, computer rooms, audio visual rooms and specialist room for home economics, fashion and fabrics, and design and communication.
Moher Dharamdeo, Rector of the school, says: “In spite of having a population mostly from the average and below average CPE students, our academic performance has always been above 65% at the SC and above 60% at the HSC.”
The administration of this school feels that total education and deve-lopment of the pupils depend on the right balance of academic and non academic activities. Moral education and human values are its two striking aspects. At DAV, the morning assembly starts with a prayer and classwise the students perform the Yajna with an officiating priest in the hall.
Teaching values
Deeya Domah, Deputy Rector, says : “After the prayer for about twenty minutes, the priest delivers a talk on values to the pupils. We try to relate everything to all the principles of the Arya Samaj. It is a rare school where pupils, irrespective of religion, are part of such value-laden atmosphere.”
“Owing to a change in lifestyle, many families don't have enough time to inculcate values in
Discipline is a sensitive issue and much talked about these days. Acts of discipline, started at an early age will definitely help in making a better tomorrow. The DAV administration firmly believes in moulding its pupils from Form I as soon as they join school.
“We are rigorous and advocate values and discipline, but not oppressive and abusive discipline. Our strength is that we believe more in student-centred approach. For a better solution, be it discipline, learning difficulty or any problem of the pupils, it is very important to listen to them. It has to be an individual approach. All teachers need to talk to students in a more positive way. Children come with a mindset of flouting all the rules and regulations. If we are aggressive, they will react negatively. We strongly believe in that, and keep a good rapport with them,” Deeya adds.
The school has many low achievers. Special attention is paid to them. In fact, the school keeps a record of each such student to diagnose their problem. Help is provided to hardship cases and needy students.
Low achievers
Deeya says : “The low achievers are also guided throughout their stay. Although it is now that the PRB has made it mandatory for extension classes, we have been doing this since long. Our teachers conduct supplementary classes during holidays, stay after school hours and help by repeating the lesson and notes. Needy students having financial problems are given free tuition. The teachers here work in team and run workshops to find means and ways to help the low achievers.”
The Rector also attributes the success of the pupils to the hard work and dedication of the teaching staff.
“Teachers share a huge responsibility in empowering their students with appropriate skills and attitudes. As role models, we make it our duty to motivate and inspire students,” Dharamdeo adds.
