That One Teacher
This Teachers’ Day we celebrate the incredible power a teacher possesses to alter the lives of her students. Project ‘Humein Badhna Hai’ is a testament to this transformative power of education and the pivotal role of mentors in empowering adolescents
“The true teachers are those who help us think for ourselves.” – Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
As we celebrate Teachers’ Day on September 5th, it is momentous for us to reflect on the indispensable role that teachers play in influencing mindsets, giving perspective, and shaping the future of their students. Teachers are the guiding light who not only impart knowledge to their students, but also inspire, mentor, and prepare them for the journey ahead. This year Teachers’ Day holds special significance as we shine a spotlight on our project, ‘Humein Badhna Hai’ (‘We need to grow’), which exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated educators can have on their students’ lives.
In Jharkhand, our initiative focuses on enhancing the skills of teachers at Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) and Jharkhand Balika Awaasiya Vidyalaya (JBAV). These government residential schools play a crucial role in providing education to girls from rural, underprivileged, and vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds. Without these institutions, many of these girls would face numerous barriers to learning and might be denied the opportunity to complete their education. Humein Badhna Hai aims to equip teachers with advanced skills in counselling, career counselling, and life skills, thus enabling them to engage more effectively with their students and offer them informed, accurate and timely guidance on educational pathways and career choices.
Through the project, we are building capacities of teachers, helping them evolve as mentors who can alter the future of adolescent girls and leave a lasting impression for a lifetime.
The core of ‘Humein Badhna Hain’ is the belief that teachers are not just educators but also mentors and role models who can profoundly influence their students’ aspirations and achievements. Through intensive training programmes, teachers are learning how to provide personalised support and guidance, helping students navigate their educational and career paths with confidence. These trainings cover a range of essential skills – from effective communication and empathetic listening to practical career guidance and life skills development.
The impact of this training is visible in KGBV and JBAV. Teachers are now better equipped to understand the unique challenges faced by their students, particularly girls who are often navigating educational and societal obstacles. By enhancing their counselling skills, teachers can provide the necessary encouragement and direction that students need to pursue their aspirations. This support is vital in helping girls envision and work towards their goals, whether it related to higher education, vocational training, or entering the workforce.
Teachers Speak “We often tell children ‘padho aur kuch bano’ (study hard and be successful in life) but fail to address what it truly means, how our goals and career choices are shaped by external factors such as social conditioning, family influence, peer pressure, financial circumstances, etc. Humein Badhna Hai gave us that perspective and made us understand career counselling in totality and depth,” says Urvashi Gupta, Teacher, JBAV Mahuadanr, Latehar “I always felt the urge to orient girls towards career and economic independence, but didn’t know how to go ahead. My training under Humein Badhna Hai has imparted me with awareness and skills much needed to guide young minds positively,” says Ranjeeta Singh, Teacher, JBAV Latehar The tools developed under Humein Badhna Hai such as Popular Career Choice Guide or Course Compendium aide us is offering accurate information to students and minimises the risk of misguidance. I have learnt the art of effective counselling. I feel more connected to my students now,” says Anjali Ganguli, Teacher, KGBV Kanke, Ranchi |
The ultimate aim of ‘Humein Badhna Hai’ is to empower these girls to make informed decisions about their futures independently and to develop the skills needed to thrive in their chosen paths. By fostering a supportive and nurturing learning environment, teachers are playing a pivotal role in preparing students to contribute meaningfully to society and achieve their full potential.
On this Teachers’ Day, let us celebrate the unwavering commitment of educators who dedicate themselves to the growth and success of their students. Their efforts are instrumental in shaping a brighter future, not only for the individuals they teach, but also for the communities they serve. The work being done through ‘Humein Badhna Hai’ is a testament to the transformative power of education and the essential role of teachers in making a difference.
Here’s to all the teachers who inspire, guide, and support their students every day. Your dedication and hard work are truly making a lasting impact. Happy Teachers’ Day!
Author: Sushmita Mukherjee; Director – Gender and Adolescent Girls, PCI India, with inputs from Monalisa, Manager – Documentation and Communication, PCI India