Across the world ‘Buddy’ programs have been a hit and have provided varied results ranging from reduced discrimination to easy exchange of knowledge, from a good way to introduce new concepts to a great way to increase bonding. ‘Buddy’ programs have largely been successful across the world in varied institutions and it’s a good sign that Ludhiana is going to very soon have its very own ‘Buddy’ program but with a difference.
According to the scheme envisaged by the district administration, students from private schools will become ‘Buddy for a day’ for their counterparts from government schools and help groom them. Under this, students of private schools will share their skills, ideas and knowledge with their buddies.
The aim of introducing this program is to groom, uplift and expose government school students to private school students and their thought process. With this in mind, the district administration approached all private schools and mooted the idea of conducting regular combined sessions of private and government school students and teachers to facilitate exchange of ideas, knowledge and experiences.
The move has received an encouraging response with as many as 15 schools of Khanna area having agreed to come onboard. Some prominent schools like Sacred Heart Convent School, Delhi Public School, and Hindu Putri Pathshala are also part of this project.
A committee has also been formed to ensure the smooth functioning of the initiative and comprises the deputy district education officer (secondary) Charanjit Singh, deputy district education officer (elementary) Dimple Madaan and 4 representatives of private schools under the supervision of sub divisional magistrate (SDM), Khanna, IAS Shaukat Ahmed Pare.
SDM Khanna Pare said, "There would be a cultural programme followed by a session on 'introduce your buddy', some games and debates as well. Since government school students don't have much, bringing them on one platform would help these students become even."
Mohini Badarwaj, vice senior coordinator of Sacred Heart Convent School, Khanna appreciated the initiative saying that with this move the district administration has taken a step towards reducing discrimination amongst school students. We have discovered that upon reaching college, government schools tend to face some inferiority complex. This will definitely help alleviate this possibility. We may also plan some inter-school competitions under this project."
Under this initiative, private school students and government school students would build up a bond, share their thoughts, skills and knowledge. It is believed that it will not only groom govt school students but also remove the problem of discrimination.