H Renukaraj, a Science teacher at the Government High School, Arasikere village, Pavagada taluk is truly one of a kind. Not even COVID could deter this passionate teacher from reaching out to the students in his area! Once the lockdowns began in March 2020, the schools in Karnataka remained shut and the state resorted to online classes. However, most children from government schools did not have the means to access online classes. To counter this the Department of Education in Karnataka spearheaded a unique program Vidhyagama, to enable continuous learning titled, ‘Our school our pride, Our students our pride’ to reach out to children who could not attend online classes. Teachers were requested to gather children in their villages and teach them.
Mr.Renukaraj took up the challenge with determination. For him students mattered and he took a novel path – He carried ILP’s low cost, lab-in-a-box Science experiment kit house to house and taught the children. He conducted experiments and taught science to over 37 students and patiently answered their questions on the spot! He opines, ‘The Science experiments Videos uploaded on ILP YouTube are useful for students to learn by seeing and I am grateful to ILP for providing the mobile Laboratory Kit”. In keeping with the precautions for COVID, Renukaraj followed all the safety protocols, wearing a mask, using sanitizer, maintaining social distance and also talking about it to the children.
This dedicated teacher has organised classes online as well that were attended not only by his students but other students from across the state. Mr. Thimmappa, Head Master of the Government High School, proudly shares, ‘Science Teacher Renukaraj is teaching continuously and he has won the Best Science Teacher award at the District Level. Our school has a mini science centre and provides good scope for science learning”. In appreciation of his commendable efforts the state Kannada daily Udayavani, spotlighted this Teacher extraordinaire!