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Non-formal schools programme
Overview of Open Schools
Children's Rights in Goa (CRG) runs six non-formal schools
(also referred to as open schools). Initially the non-formal
(NF) schools were started by CRG with the purpose of setting
up child grievance cells for children to voice their problems.
In the course of time the goal of CRG schools has expanded.
The schools provide an opportunity for working children or
children who have no access to education to achieve basic
and functional literacy. These schools serve as recreation
centres. The children are motivated to study. If they are
keen to study further they are enrolled into formal school.
Students attending formal school also come
to the NF schools. The CRG teachers try to help the children
with their studies so that they do not drop out of school.
Developmental activities such as life skill education are
taught to the children. CRG strives to empower children by
making them aware of their rights and the issue of tourism
related paedophilia and provides them with information on
how they can protect themselves from abuse.
A very basic format and time table is followed
in our open schools. For one hour everyday the teachers help
the children with their homework given by the formal school.
CRG specific activities like drama, general knowledge, singing,
story telling, craft drawing and games are conducted. The
teachers are given a theme for the week based on which they
conduct activities for the children.
Mapusa
The Mapusa Non-Formal School was started on 1st September
1997.The school is run in the classroom of the government
primary school in Mapusa. The children who attend this school
work in the Mapusa market. They are engaged in selling of
plastic bags, cutting of fish etc. Very few attend formal
school.
Candolim
Candolim Non-Formal School was started on 1st September 1998
and is run at the Lions Club Candolim. Most of the children's
parents in this school and the Calangute, Baga and Anjuna
schools are engaged in construction activity or in selling
clothes and ornaments on the beach side during the tourist
season.
Curchorem
The Curchorem Non-Formal School was started in November 1999.The
school is run in one of the classrooms of the ITI Chandrabhaga
Institute. The majority of the children attend formal school.
The children stay around the area where transporting of mineral
ore takes place. Most of the parents of these children are
involved in the loading and unloading of mineral ore.
Calangute
Calangute Non-Formal School was started on 7 June 2001. It
is run in the veranda of an old house at Khobrawaddo Calangute.
The children who come to the school are irregular but during
the tourist season there is an increase in the number of children
coming to the school.
Baga
Baga Non-Formal School was started on 15 April 2003. It is
run in the balcony of the Government primary school, Saunthawaddo,
Baga. The majority of the children attend formal schools.
A number of local children also attend this school.
Anjuna
Anjuna Non-Formal School was started on 19 September 2006.
It is run in a chapel in Baddem, Anjuna. We have received
a lot of support from the parish priest and community members
in starting this school.
Events
Throughout the year various events are celebrated in the NF
schools like children's day, teachers day, Girl Child day,
Anti Child Labour day, Christmas, Diwali, Rakshabandhan etc
are observed and programmes are organized for each occasion.
outings, field trips, picnics, circus and other programmes
are organized for the children. Children love these programmes.
Such activities also help to generate a sense of mutual acceptance
and communal harmony.
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