While the ongoing pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to the education system, it has also amplified the role of educators and classroom staff in daily schooling. More importantly, these times have reminded all of us of the vital role that teachers play in shaping a child’s learning experience and the sheer hard work that goes into facilitating an enriching online classroom. Akanksha has  invested significant effort into creating solid foundations of support for the overall wellbeing of its teachers and staff – encouraging and inspiring individuals to go that extra mile. Since the beginning of the lockdown, we have witnessed stories of great courage and hope, a testament to the Akanksha team’s dedication and zeal. 

Our staff teams, right from teachers to social workers and helper didis have devised resourceful strategies and led enterprising initiatives to ensure that the learning never stops. Through this series of #Akanksha Changemakers, we will share with you stories of true inspiration and innovation. These articles will bring to light steps taken by our changemakers that go above and beyond the call of duty as well as unique teaching methods exercised in the classroom.

Going beyond the call of duty 

Mahesh bhaiya, an Akanksha Marathi teacher from Shindewadi Mumbai Public School went above and beyond to ensure that the learning nevers stops. Despite being quarantined at a municipal facility after testing positive for Covid-19, Mahesh bhaiya continued to conduct his grade 9 and 10 language classes against all odds.

Our Akanksha teacher experienced a bittersweet birthday this year. Just as Mahesh bhaiya was  excitedly looking forward to the day’s festivities and best wishes, he received an unnerving call from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) during his grade 10 revision class. “I was informed that I had tested positive for Covid-19 and that an ambulance would arrive between 12:30-1:00 P.M to take me to the isolation centre in Goregaon,” said bhaiya. 

A good samaritan and responsible teacher, our Akanksha warrior had foreseen this possibility when he experienced initial symptoms such as throat pain and fever the week before. Mahesh bhaiya had made preparations in advance, requesting his colleague and core teacher, Amit bhaiya to assist in the virtual class in the case of his absence. However, unwilling to abandon his students during the exam season, Mahesh bhaiya requested the BMC to send the ambulance a little later at 3:00 P.M inorder to finish teaching his class. 

Despite all of the stress, illness and accompanying exhaustion, Mahesh bhaiya was determined to continue taking his classes even during his stay at the quarantine facility. “Honestly, I was thinking entirely from my students’ perspective. Their classes had already been disrupted by the pandemic and I didn’t want to disturb the continuing schedule. Taking classes was far more appealing to me than reading books and spending time on my phone,” he added.

While Mahesh bhaiya had access to an internet connection and good network, he was struggling to find a device or equipment to conduct his online classes. Devising a quick solution, bhaiya borrowed a laptop from a fellow patient to teach grade 9 and used his phone for other sessions which did not require presentations such as morning SEE learning assemblies and parent-meetings. For bhaiya, his primary motivation was his students -he was deeply empathetic towards the drastic adjustments  that the children were making to adapt to virtual learning. 

Mahesh bhaiya says that his brief experience at the facility, lasting about 8-10 days, helped him to overcome his anxiety surrounding the virus and truly appreciate the contribution of sanitation workers on ground. “Akanksha’s constant support and my children’s love and concern really gave me the energy to keep my classes going,” shares bhaiya. 

This story is symbolic of the dedication and commitment shown by our Akanksha teachers like Mahesh bhaiya who has spent nine years teaching at Shindewadi. We are very proud and inspired by our entire team who continue to do their part, however small, to achieve the common goal of keeping our children safe and ensuring uninterrupted learning.