SRCT is a pioneer in introducing the Montessori method of teaching in public schools in Tamil Nadu, starting way back in 2004.
Maria Montessori has stated that “education is assistance to life”. However holistic, quality education is seen as the preserve of the elite; SRCT’s mission is to change this.
Corporation schools and balwadis cater to the poorest of the poor in our society and a child friendly method as the Montessori is the most appropriate for these children who come from harsh back grounds.
The schools have spacious buildings and good infrastructure; and the children are provided with mid-day meals. This made our intervention a complete package for these children.
Remedial Classes for Corporation School Children
As is well known many students in corporation schools who are from broken homes and marginalized sections of the community are woefully lagging behind in studies. This is due to many reasons like Domestic disharmony, Relocation, Medical reasons and Lack of awareness towards continued education. Such children need individual attention and we are providing tuition to these children through the Montessori Method. We are keen to bring them on par with the other students. At present over 315 children are benefitting under this project.
Montessori Teacher Training for Underprivileged Women
Till 2020 SRCT had sponsored the training of 71 women from underprivileged backgrounds for the one-year Montessori Training Course conducted by the Centre for Montessori Training, Chennai.
Our guiding philosophy is to train / employ women with aptitude rather than just formal qualification; for this purpose, we identify deserving candidates from backward localities and sponsor their training. Our trainees also intern under experienced teachers in our schools, even while undergoing the training.
This ‘on the job’ training gives them a definite edge over untrained teachers. Further, the direct experience of working in Corporation schools helps them adapt to working conditions in Corporation schools easily and quickly. They are also already sensitized on how to handle children with respect and sensitivity.
In 2023, following a request from GCC, SRCT designed and launched a nine-month certificate course in Montessori Training Methodology. Forty four candidates working in GCC schools underwent training in the first batch and completed the programme in April 2024.
Sponsoring the Education of Underprivileged Children
Sri Ramacharan identifies donors to directly sponsor the school fees for a few deserving children who hail from the lower socio-economic strata. Connecting sponsors with needy children and giving them feedback on the child’s progress has made donors very happy. Criteria for identifying children are –
Studied Montessori under SRCT
Passed competitive entrance tests conducted by Private schools