In a significant move to address academic setbacks, the SED has introduced winter tutorial programs across designated schools in Kashmir’s remote areas. These camps offer vital educational support, helping students catch up and stay engaged during the winter break.
By Qysar Ul Islam Shah
As soon as the academic session in the Kashmir Division was revised, the School Education Department (SED) introduced significant reforms in the region’s educational landscape, with the introduction of winter camps in various designated schools. The move received a warm and positive response from the general populace. Subsequently, the demand for the operationalization of these camps gained momentum, aiming to bridge the learning gaps at both the elementary and secondary levels. In response, the School Education Department recently issued an official order to commence winter tutorials across various designated schools, offering winter classes in remote areas. Head of Institutions (HOIs) have been instructed to make all necessary arrangements within their respective schools to ensure the success of this initiative.
In light of the rising demand, all concerned Chief Education Officers (CEOs) have been asked to move forward with the initiative in accordance with established norms. Additionally, school heads are required to obtain consent and declarations from parents before enrolling students in the winter camps. The order further stipulates that District Resource Group (DCRG) and Block Resource Group (BCRG) members, along with Cluster Resource Centres (CRCs), will extend academic support to the program and offer guidance to teachers on remedial teaching methods.
The introduction of winter camps in remote areas has already yielded positive results, with significant improvements in student learning outcomes. These camps are playing a crucial role in minimizing learning gaps, which is essential for preventing student dropouts. When students struggle to grasp the current curriculum, they often fall behind, leading to a gap between their actual and expected learning levels. This disparity can put immense pressure on students as they try to catch up with their peers. One of the most notable advantages of operating these winter camps in designated areas is that they benefit disadvantaged families who cannot afford private tutoring services. Such initiatives deserve praise for their commitment to reaching students in distant locations. The general public has widely recognized these efforts as a remedy for their educational challenges.
The importance of winter tuition in Kashmir cannot be overstated. This initiative, led by Education Minister Mohatarma Sakeen ji, is highly commendable. Government schools are well-equipped with modern infrastructure, teaching staff, and sanitation facilities, making them an ideal setting for these winter camps. Many parents in remote areas cannot afford private tuition for their children due to financial constraints, but this government initiative promises to produce positive outcomes in the long term. Winter camps also help maintain continuity in students’ education, as they allow learning to continue during the winter months. Students are thrilled by the prospect of their results being declared early, with promotions to the next class adding to their motivation to attend these centres.
Winter camps are proving to be a lifeline for students, offering a valuable solution for families concerned about their children’s academic progress during the winter break. These camps help prevent the loss of knowledge and skills accumulated during the academic year and ensure that students are well-prepared to resume their studies once schools reopen. Those responsible for overseeing the initiative must ensure that proper arrangements are made for both teachers and students during the harsh winter months. It is worth noting that those involved in the winter camps should be granted earned leave for the month, serving as an incentive to encourage greater participation in the initiative. This added support will increase the initiative’s success and productivity. Additionally, programs like the former “Super 50” should be reinstated to assist aspiring candidates preparing for competitive exams.
Over the years, many students have brought great pride to the region through their success in winter camps, and students from disadvantaged sections in remote areas have greatly benefited from these winter or Super 50 programs. The School Education Department should continue to prioritize these initiatives, ensuring their reinstatement in the future. This noble endeavor of offering free winter tuition to all students will have long-lasting effects, resulting in positive outcomes. It will play a pivotal role in equipping the students of Kashmir to compete with their counterparts across the country. The School Education Department deserves recognition for this initiative, and a concerted effort at all levels will be necessary to engage children from all communities, ensuring that the initiative benefits all students.
To further enhance the relevance of winter tuition classes, adjustments to class timings for both students and teachers, cancellation of classes during heavy snowfall, targeted lessons on difficult subjects like mathematics and social studies, and additional doubt-clearing sessions should be considered as part of the reform process. These measures would significantly contribute to the success of the winter tuition program in Kashmir.
The world is experiencing rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, increasingly incorporated into educational frameworks. Unfortunately, Kashmir still faces challenges in providing basic education and directing the energy of its youth toward productive pursuits. While there are numerous reasons for the region’s lagging educational standards, the introduction of winter tuition represents a modest but crucial step toward improving these standards.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this Magazine. The author can be reached at [email protected]
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