Sahay Path – a Sahay Foundation initiative with a focus on active aging through productive engagement
Based on experiences gathered from six-month pilot run of ‘Sahay Path’ at Jayatala High school, Baruipur, Sahay Foundation aimed at starting a decentralized model of ‘Sahay Path’ with multiple centers, each equipped with basic amenities for teaching. It started two centers at Salt lake and Kasba from July, 2023 with an objective to expand all over Kolkata. The programme is targeted at capability enhancement of middle school students from underprivileged background by harnessing skills and experience of retired school teachers.
Aspirations
- Improving Basic English and Mathematics skills of children.
- Active Social Engagement of teachers and seniors above the age of 55 years.
- Create innovative pedagogy for first-generation learners.
Planning
Why – improved opportunities with English and Mathematics skills
Who – seniors and retired teachers; students in the age group of 10-15 years.
When –convenient time, 5 to 7 pm, twice a week
Where –nearer to residence, convenience of the elderly teachers and children
How – expert teachers and proven pedagogy; passionate teaching
Actions
- Two centers with 50+ students, more to come
- Learning in informal setting and under personal attention
- Retired teachers on board, highly qualified seniors volunteering with teaching
- Continuous assessment for improved learning outcomes
- Expanding network of well-wishers passionate about the cause
Sustainability
- Complementary needs of seniors and children – social participation and learning
- Passionate teachers and volunteers
- Affordable quality coaching, not free tuition
- Mentoring for livelihood options.
Impacted 30 plus students by enabling them to prepare for Board exams with self-confidence.