Biodiversity Convention: Seed, Soil & Millets

Vaishali Negi

Vaishali Negi is hardworking and professional towards her work. She was born and brought up in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.  She holds a graduation degree in Agriculture from S.G.R.R (P.G) College and post-graduation in Agronomy (Agriculture) from Uttaranchal (P.G) College of Bio-medical Sciences and Hospital, Dehradun. She  has one year teaching experience as Assistant Professor in Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun. She aspires to be recognized as a leader in her field, known for her dedication, expertise, and ability to inspire others. She is committed to making meaningful contributions that advance the goals of our organization and improve the lives of those we serve. She loves cooking and exploring new areas.

Digital Classrooms in Tehri Uttarakhand: Phase 2 Implementation and Teacher Training Experience

In collaboration with LIC Housing Finance and Mount Valley Development Association, we expanded smart classes in 2 more schools of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. One of these schools is private and has five teachers. While the other one is a government school, which operates with just one teacher.

In collaboration with LIC Housing Finance and Mount Valley Development Association, we expanded smart classes in 2 more schools of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. One of these schools is private and has five teachers. While the other one is a government school, which operates with just one teacher.

teacher training to use iprep on smart class setup to enable interactive classroom learning experience 1536x853 1
teacher training to use iprep on smart class setup to enable interactive classroom learning experience

In this process of implementing smart classes in Purnanand public school, we came across a unique situation. Our team members were unable to find a technician to mount the 50-inch Smart TV as the school is located on the highest peak of the village. Undeterred, one of our ground team members took this into his hands, showcasing dedication to bringing educational resources to even the most hard-to-reach corners.

teacher training on using smart classroom schools of uttarkhand implemented by idream education 1536x853 1
teacher training on using smart classroom schools of uttarkhand implemented by idream education

Teachers and students were excited to see how we mounted a smart class in just a few minutes. They were excited to use the smart class content by themselves. This is when our team began with teacher training and started navigating iPrep’s content. Both the schools had access to different classes. As one of the school is primary they had access to offline content of K-5. In second school, teachers got access to offline content for K-12. The content is aligned with the NCERT curriculum and is made available in both English and Hindi. Seeing the smart class content similar to textbooks on the smart TV in their preferred language made the teachers eager to use it.

Reach of Digital Classrooms in Tehri Uttarakhand in Phase 2

  • District: Tehri Garhwal 
  • State: Uttarakhand
  • No. of Students Impacted:  500+
  • No. of Teachers Impacted:  20 +

Inspiring highlights from implementation and training

  • The government school, with only one teacher, serves as a common hub for students from three to four nearby villages. 
  • Teachers of the schools were happy to see smart classes in their schools. Many of them said,  “Smart classrooms will help us facilitate interactive classroom experience for students. Moreover, “The accessibility of content similar to textbooks will help us transition from teaching through textbooks to smart classroom content smoothly
teacher using smart classroom schools of uttarkhand implemented by idream education 1536x853 1
teacher using smart classroom schools of uttarkhand implemented by idream education1

Our team also visited schools where we implemented smart classes in phase 1 to see how iPrep is being used by teachers and students. The visit was quite motivational where teachers shared their thoughts on how iPrep is helping them engage students in learning. They talked about how attendance at schools has gone up since they started using iPrep Digital Class.

One of the teachers, Sir Teja Singh expressed his trust on iPrep Digital Class saying “Engaging students in continuous learning has always been a point of concern for us because of many reasons but with the availability of smart classes, it has become easy for us to teach, engage and comprehend”.

Happy to hear and hope to see similar engagement and improvement in phase 2 implementation. If in case you would like to know more about our digital learning solutions, visit our website, www.idreameducation.org, or write to us at share@idreameducation.org

Kiran Rawat

I’m Kiran Rawat, originally from Kirtinagar Tehri Garhwal. I pursued my Bachelor’s in Arts in 2019 from Sri Devi Suman University Tehri Garhwal, followed by a Master’s in Social Work in 2022 from HNB Garhwa University Srinagar Garhwal. Additionally, I hold a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Govt Polytechnic Sringar Garhwal in 2018.

My professional journey began in 2018 as a Diploma trainee at TATA Motors Pantnagar, where I spent a year in the production department’s BIW shop. During this time, my responsibilities included updating standard documents such as WIS, 5S, and the skill matrix of operators. I resolved punch issues of operators and forwarded zero-defect data to superiors.

After completing my internship, I transitioned to work at a BMW automobile showroom in Gurgaon. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I left my job and decided to continue my studies. I pursued post-graduation in social work and, since December 2022, have been preparing for government exams while working part-time as an LDC in the Minor Lift Irrigation division in Srinagar Garhwal.

My greatest strength lies in my honesty and belief in teamwork, essential for executing tasks efficiently. Recently, I joined MVDA as a Project Coordinator, and I am dedicated to contributing my best for the excellence of the organization. I intend to utilize my knowledge, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills to achieve the organization’s goals.

Debanjan Kumar Mallick

During our field visit with Mount Valley Development Association, my team and I learned about market research, product quality, pricing, and branding in the context of retail chains. We also engaged with local women who were involved in the production of various organic products, including salts, tea, and turmeric. We gained insights into the creation of organic goods like lampshades and baskets from materials such as Perul and Selu. Additionally, we explored the concept of self-sustainability as initiated by the association.

Vikas Singh

I have an MBA from DAV Institute of Management, Faridabad. I have more than ten years of experience working in the corporate sector and have held a variety of positions. I worked for a health insurance company as a senior manager of business development. However, satisfaction—which is essential for sustainability and growth in the corporate sector—is always overlooked. I left the corporate world and entered the development field because I was looking for fulfillment. I am a poet at heart and a lover of nature. I joined MVDA as Manager- Business & Development

Ashes to Artistry

In the ever-changing cycle of nature, pine trees gracefully shed their needles each  year, a process that ensures their continued health. These fallen needles,  eventually decomposing, make way for new growth. However, it is important to understand the implications of dried pine needles in certain contexts. With their  high resin content, dried pine needles become highly flammable, posing a fire  risk, particularly during dry conditions. This vulnerability can lead to forest fires,  causing extensive damage and threatening ecosystems.

Beyond the risk of fires, pine needles can also hinder the growth of new plants.  Their presence on the forest floor blocks sunlight and moisture, creating an inhospitable environment for emerging flora. Biodiversity may suffer as the layer  of pine needles becomes an obstacle for the establishment and development of  new plant life.

opportunity to transform pine needles  into something remarkable.  Handicrafts made from pine needles  offer a means to reduce waste and contribute to environmental  sustainability. By repurposing this  natural resource, we divert pine needles  from landfills and incinerators,  effectively reducing the burden on our  ecosystems. Furthermore, the  utilization of pine needles in  handicrafts helps diminish the demand or synthetic materials, which often come at a great cost to the environment. 

The potential for creativity with pine needles knows no bounds. Skilled artisans  can weave, braid, and sew these needles, known as “piltu” or “pirul” in the local  language, into an array of beautiful and functional objects. From baskets and mats  to coasters, baskets and keychains, pine needle handicrafts offer a diverse range  of possibilities. Engaging in this art form transcends age barriers, providing an enjoyable and rewarding activity for all. It not only encourages creativity but also  fosters the acquisition of new skills, allowing individuals to forge a deeper  connection with nature and appreciate its inherent beauty.

In the pursuit of preserving traditional crafts and  empowering artisans,organizations like the Mount  Valley Development Association (MVDA) stand  as beacons of support.  MVDA provides a platform  for talented individuals,  offering them an opportunity  to showcase their skills and  contribute to a more  environmentally conscious  society. Through training  programs and workshops, this  organization equips artisans with the necessary knowledge and techniques to  excel in pine needle crafting. For many artisans, MVDA has been a  transformative force, allowing them to break free from societal constraints and  become financially independent. 

As we embrace the potential of pine needles and their role in handicrafts, we  embark on a journey that merges creativity, sustainability, and appreciation for  the natural world. By repurposing these discarded needles, we can reduce waste,  minimize environmental impact, and create unique pieces that celebrate the  beauty of nature. The art of pine needle handicrafts not only enriches our lives  with exquisite creations but also empowers artisans and supports organizations  like MVDA in their mission to foster positive change. Together, we can weave a  tapestry of creativity, resilience, and environmental stewardship, leaving a lasting  impact on both our communities and the planet we call home.

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