The inspiring story of Mr Umesh Manorkar
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This is the story of Manokar sir who did not let the Corona virus or the lockdown dampen his efforts to teach his students. He has been teaching in the ZP primary school of Eklara, Kodoli block, Manora district for 19 years now. Among several challenges faced during the COVID-19 lockdown, he was posted at ration shops, petrol pumps, etc. for contact tracing and lockdown vigilance. This caused him a lot of difficulty in reaching out to his students. In addition to this, many of his students did not have any access to smartphones and the internet. He was pained at the thought that his students were disconnected from learning.
Fuelled by his determination to help his students, he set out to devise a pathway with his fellow teachers and friends. After getting a unanimous go-ahead by the school management committee, Police patil and Sarpanch, he implemented the devised plan.
Under their action plan, he visited the homes of students to convince their parents to actively help them with any doubts or difficulties while studying. In cases of unresolved doubts, Manokar sir himself visited these students, while making sure that he followed all COVID-19 directives and precautions. During these visits, he distributed books as per the government directive. He also prepared self-study materials and worksheets spending money out of his own pocket, which was then disbursed to the students. Since Manorkar sir had numerous responsibilities he did not have sufficient time to devote to the children of grade 1 justifiably. And so for the grade 1 children, he enlisted the aid of their mothers. Timelines were set and two tests were also conducted in the first semester.
Reflecting back on his experience, he explained that his experience of conducting Mulyavardhan has been especially helpful. He is happy to report that all the different timelines are being met. He has emerged as a true warrior fighting to ensure access to education for his students, and his efforts are truly appreciated at the cluster, block as well as the district level.
Our next few posts are dedicated to the status of children with special needs and the pressure on their parents in adjusting to the new online regime. Keep watching this space to get updated about them.
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