Rediscovering the Magic of Reading - Garima, PYDS

Today’s session was genuinely engaging and enriching. During the English class, I observed how vividly a character can be brought to life through words, much like Gerald Durrell does in his writing. One of my favourite characters was the Rose Beetle Man, whose description left a lasting impression.

The highlight of the session, however, was the reading of the chapter Glacier Par Chadhte Chaar Ladke. This chapter felt incredibly powerful and close to my heart, as it is deeply connected to my region, surroundings, and way of life. Moreover, the approach Manisha ma’am chose to introduce the chapter was both thoughtful and beautiful, making the experience even more memorable. The story also inspired me to dream of climbing mountains in the future, awakening a sense of adventure.

Today also helped me rediscover the magic of reading. I finally understood why books matter so much to me—because they inspire me to imagine the future, reshape stories, and create new ones by drawing on the ideas I gather from everything I read.

Garima
PYDS Learning Academy

GSA Calendar February 2026

 My Good School

February 1, 2026

Book Reading- What You Are Looking For Is in the Library
Book Reading- दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ

February 8, 2026

Book Reading- My Family and Other Animals

Book Reading- What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

February 15, 2026

Book Reading- My Family and Other Animals 
Book Reading- दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ

February 22, 2026

The YES workshop on Communication with Kartik Bajoria. We aim to inspire young minds, helping them navigate their dreams and aspirations as they embrace their goals. 

Book Reading- What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

The Teachers Academy

Learning Forward Saturday
The Professional Learning Program (PLP) with Sandeep Dutt, ‘Wanted BackBencher LastRanker Teacher’ by Kavita Ghosh, starts on January 31, 2026, with screen sharing. Each first Saturday is for reading a chapter, which is completed by the second Saturday. Then, we discuss experiences and draft reflections, with Neelashi helping create posts for The Teachers Academy blog. By month’s end, all blogs should be published. Attendance is based on blog submissions. 11 blogs earn a Certificate of Appreciation.

Sandeep Dutt’s Masterclass 
Read And Lead at 5:30 PM: Co-hosted by Gurdeep Kaur and Sandeep Dutt, for subscribers only. We are reading The Courage To Be Happy. Sign up at sdutt.me.

GSA Meetings and Events

GSA Squad 

We review programs and plan for the coming week at 5:30 PM every Monday on Zoom - GSA Coordinators, Volunteers, and Mentors. #JoyOfGiving 

My Good School Retreat 

April 13th -17th, 2026, at Arthur Foot Academy

Find out more at www.inYouth.in

Fridays @ EBD

We meet to cherish Literature, Art and Culture #BrewingKnowledge 

Read with Neelashi Mangal 
Fridays at 5.30 PM: Book Reading with Neelashi Mangal, entry by invitation from The English Book Depot. We are currently reading: What Did You Ask At School Today: A Handbook Of Child Learning.

Neha Negi, author of When Birds Talked
5:30 PM on Zoom on February 13, 2026
Continuing with: Folklore of the Hills | Illustrated Himalayan Folk Tales of Birds & Nature | Uttarakhand Legends Filled With Myth, Magic & Transformation

Amardeep Singh Lost Heritage
5:30 PM on Zoom on February 20, 2026
‘Lost Heritage Productions’ is a Singapore-based visual media production house, led by a Singapore-based couple, Amardeep Singh and Vininder Kaur. It focuses on researching and documenting forgotten legacies. Find out more at: https://lostheritage.info/about/

My Good School 25th January 2026

My Good School began with administrative discussions about attendance and exam preparation, followed by a literary analysis of a passage that describes characters and settings in a story. Book reading: My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell and दी व्हिसलिंग स्कूलबॉय और अन्य कहानियाँ with Manisha Khanna. The group explored themes of haunting and memorable experiences through various characters, including discussions about pantomime and cultural performances. Part one of the session concluded with a reading and reflection, during which students shared personal experiences and discussed the importance of reading and education, particularly in rural areas.

The Art of Framing Sentences - Sunbeam Suncity

In today’s reading session, Sir explained the art of framing sentences by focusing on elements like character and situation. At first, it sounded simple and familiar, but in reality, it demands a clear and disciplined way of thinking. The session was not merely a revision; it was a meaningful step toward perfection. Sir emphasised how well-crafted sentences naturally become an integral part of both our reading and writing skills.

Jayant Raj – Class VIII

Sir conducted a very insightful reading session today on framing sentences with the right elements of character and situation. I realised that sentence construction needs patience and clarity of thought. It was a step toward refining our language skills rather than just revising them. The book reading at the end gave us a practical understanding of the topic.

Yuvraj Kesari – Class VIII

My reflection for today is that I learned how to frame a sentence using an image as a reference and add a creative twist to make it more engaging and effective. I really enjoyed the session because it taught us not only how to read, but also how to use our mind in the right direction with the correct approach.

Nikunj Gupta – Class VIII

The reading session today was quite informative, as Sir discussed how character and situation play a major role in sentence formation. What we usually consider easy turned out to be more complex when explained in depth. The session helped strengthen our basics and encouraged us to think better while reading and writing. It concluded with a book reading, which made the learning more effective.

Mayank Malani – Class VII

ज्ञान, स्वच्छता और जीवन मूल्यों का शिक्षाप्रद सत्र - सनबीम ग्रामीण स्कूल

आज के सेशन में बच्चों को यह दिखाया गया कि अपनी पढ़ाई के साथ-साथ अपनी किताब, कॉपी, बैग और जिस रूम में आप पढ़ते हैं, उस कमरे की सफ़ाई के साथ-साथ खिड़कियों की सफ़ाई के बारे में भी जागरूक किया गया। काम के बारे में बताया गया कि व्यक्ति को काम में ज़्यादा व्यस्त नहीं रहना चाहिए, बल्कि खुद का भी ख़याल रखते हुए काम करना चाहिए। ग्राहकों के बारे में भी बताया गया कि ग्राहक के साथ किस तरह व्यवहार करना चाहिए, सामान चाहे जो भी हो, उसकी समय-सीमा समाप्त न हो और उसका सही समय पर उपयोग हो। पुस्तकालय में व्यवस्थित पुस्तकों का उदाहरण देकर बताया गया कि आप अपने घर के सामानों को कैसे व्यवस्थित कर सकते हैं। खाने-पीने के बारे में भी जागरूक किया गया कि बाहर के खाने-पीने को त्यागकर घर पर बने भोजन का प्रयोग करें और ज़्यादा तेल-मसाले का प्रयोग न करें। बच्चों को यह भी बताया गया कि ज़्यादा मोबाइल का प्रयोग करने और रात को जागने से सुबह के कामों में मन नहीं लगता।
अशोक कुमार मौर्य (Teacher)

आज की कक्षा में हमें बताया गया कि “What you are looking for is in the library” और इसका मतलब है कि आप जो ढूंढ रहे हैं, वह पुस्तकालय में है। जैसे कि आपकी पहचान, आपका ज्ञान, आपकी क्षमताएँ—ये सभी वहाँ की किताबों में छिपी होती हैं। वे कहती हैं कि आप पुस्तकालय आएँ और खुद को खोजें। हमें पुस्तकालय जाकर खुद को खोजना चाहिए। पुस्तकालय वह जगह है जहाँ आप अपने विचारों को व्यक्त कर सकते हैं। हम अपने विचारों को कविताओं और कहानियों के रूप में आसानी से व्यक्त कर सकते हैं और पुस्तकालय में रखी गई पुस्तकों से सीख लेकर अपने जीवन में अपना सकते हैं। मुझे पुस्तकालय में सबसे ज़्यादा यह पसंद है कि वहाँ शांति होती है, जिसके कारण आप खुद को महसूस कर सकते हैं। इसलिए मैं सोचती हूँ कि पुस्तकालय सिर्फ पुस्तकों से भरा घर ही नहीं है, बल्कि खुद को खोजने और जानने का सबसे आसान और अच्छा तरीका है।

धन्यवाद।

प्रिया, कक्षा 7

“आप जो ढूंढ रहे हैं, वह पुस्तकालय में है” मिचिको एओयामा द्वारा लिखित एक प्रेरक कहानी है, जो हमें जीवन के बारे में निम्नलिखित महत्वपूर्ण सीख देती है—

• सही दिशा का महत्व: अक्सर हम अपनी समस्याओं का समाधान बाहर खोजते हैं, लेकिन यह कहानी सिखाती है कि सही मार्गदर्शन, जैसे कि एक किताब या एक अनुभवी पुस्तकालयाध्यक्ष, हमें वह देखने में मदद कर सकता है जो हमारे भीतर पहले से मौजूद है।

• पुस्तकों की शक्ति: एक किताब सिर्फ जानकारी का स्रोत नहीं होती, बल्कि वह किसी व्यक्ति के जीवन को बदलने और उसे कठिन समय में सहारा देने की क्षमता रखती है।
शिवानी यादव

Reflection on My Good School Session- Sunbeam School, Ballia

Today’s session at the Good School was truly inspiring. The YES workshop helped me understand the importance of communication and positive thinking. I felt motivated to stay confident and try my best in everything I do.

The book reading session taught me that knowledge is often found in books and through learning. This session made me enjoy learning and encouraged me to do my best. I will always remember it as a good learning journey.
Anahita Pathak, 5B

Today’s session at Good School was truly inspiring. The workshop was amazing and helped me understand the importance of positive thinking and effective communication. I felt motivated to stay confident and try my best in everything I do.

The book reading session was wonderful too. It reminded me that knowledge is everywhere and reading can open up new ideas and perspectives. Overall, the session was full of learning, fun, and inspiration. It made me reflect on my own habits and how I can improve both in studies and in life.

Ishika Singh, 9A

In today’s Good School sssion, conducted by Jugjiv Sir, I learned how to pronounce words and sentences correctly. I also learned where to pause at full stops and commas and how to use punctuation marks properly while speaking and reading. The class helped me improve my speaking skills and understand the importance of correct pronunciation. My experience in today’s class was wonderful, and I learned many new and useful things.
Riddhi Gupta, 5B

The session was inspiring and full of learning.

The YES workshop helped me understand the importance of communication and positive thinking.

The book reading session taught me that knowledge is often found in books and through learning.

Overall, it was an amazing session that encouraged me to learn and read books.
Arohi Jaiswal, 5B

The Power of Reading and Reflection in Student Growth- Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

 

Sunday School Reflection by Manisha Khanna

Reading and reflection play a vital role in a student’s growth. Through regular reading, students gain knowledge, imagination, and empathy, while reflection helps them think deeply about what they have learned. Together, these practices encourage self-awareness, emotional understanding, and critical thinking. As students read, reflect, and relate ideas to their own lives, they gradually evolve into thoughtful, confident, and sensitive learners.

Meet me on the other side

#JoyOfLearning with #HappyTeachers committed to #JoyOfGiving

It is quite easy to judge a teacher, everyone holds an opinion on them. In fact, a lot of people have opinions on teachers in the classroom while having no experience in being in a classroom. Arthur Foot Academy's teachers come with a lot of cultural baggage on their shoulders but they bring their resilience along to the school. Teaching in a village where most women are married or about to be married off or are reaching the age soon, some of these teachers are finding their way through teaching. 

This particular teacher crosses the river to go to the remotest village in Bahadarabad. She goes there because a classroom cannot be confined in four walls and her role is not defined by the curriculum she has to finish but how many lives could she touch through her knowing a little better and empathising with other members in the community. Often times, teachers resist the work given to them outside the school or classroom because it is tiring and non-rewarding. But what if all their patience, kindness, effort and will was acknowledged? They would be happy teachers and would be able to stay in the system for longer. They would be willing to go a little extra mile for children who cannot come to school or are pulled out because there are extra hands needed at home to feed everyone. 

There has to be an equal portion of training, freedom and exposure for teachers. A lot of the teaching is outside the classroom. Let the teacher meet their students under an open sky and hear her children tell her things they know and they want to know. Maybe this can also be a part of the curriculum? 

She will meet you all on the other side of the river to narrate all the stories of pain, joy and giving. 

- Neelashi Mangal, Head Training and Development, Good Schools Alliance. Welcome to My Good School, find out more at www.MyGoodSchool.in

Jabaaz Kishori Project - Sunbeam School Ballia

Three-Day Field Experience-Based Research Report & Action Plan

Intern Name: Akanksha Rai

Role: Research Intern

Project: Jabaaz Kishori

Duration: Three Days

 

1. Introduction

 

Jabaaz Kishori is a community-based project focused on understanding the challenges faced by adolescent girls in rural areas and working towards their empowerment. As a research intern, I participated in field visits across multiple villages over three days. The purpose of this report is to document the issues shared by the girls and propose an action plan based on real observations and interactions.

 

2. Day-wise Field Observations

 

Day 1: Lalwala Majbata Village

● Girls were not continuing their education after a certain level.

        

Major reasons identified:

● Family pressure

● Lack of awareness about education, career options, and independence

● Girls were unaware of ways to become financially and socially independent.

 

Day 2: Village Visits

Village 1

● Girls expressed the need for a community activity center.

    

Purpose of the center:

● Weekly group meetings

● Skill development activities such as sewing and drawing

● Group study and creative learning

● This showed a strong interest in collective growth.

 

Village 2: Government School (Classes 7th & 8th)

● Girls requested more opportunities for sports.

● Limited sports facilities and encouragement were observed.

 

Village 3 (Near Hillwood Academy)

This village faced several serious issues:

● Healthcare Problems

● Lack of clean drinking water.

● High number of kidney stone cases and other water-related diseases.

● Absence of good doctors and preventive healthcare services.

● Many villagers believed these health problems could not be solved.

Infrastructure Problems

● No pakka roads.

● Difficulty in travelling for:

1. Medical emergencies

2. Education

● This resulted in students not studying further.

● Menstrual Health Issues

● Many girls reported irregular menstrual cycles (after 3–4 months).

● Lack of medical guidance and awareness.

● Girls requested affordable medical treatment and health support.

 

Day 3: Village Visits

Village 1

● Girls stated that there were no major problems.

● However, hesitation was observed, indicating a lack of trust and need for longer engagement.

 

Village 2

● Similar issues of kidney stones due to water quality.

● No schools available after class 10th.

● Girls have to travel long distances for education.

● A suggestion was made to provide bicycles to support continued education.

 

3. Proposed Action Plan (Priority-wise)

 

Step 1: Affordable and Accessible Healthcare (Main Priority)

● Provide clean and safe drinking water facilities.

● Organize regular health camps with qualified doctors.

Focus on:

1. Kidney health

2. Preventive healthcare

3. Adolescent and menstrual health awareness

4. Ensure low-cost or free medical consultations and medicines.

 

Step 2: Road and Transport Facilities

● Construction of pakka roads connecting villages.

Improved access for:

1. Emergency healthcare

2. Schools and colleges

3. Provide bicycles to girls for easier travel to schools.

 

Step 3: Education Till Class 12

● Establish government schools up to class 12 in every village or nearby areas.

● Improve infrastructure in existing schools.

● Encourage continuation of education for girls.

 

Step 4: Motivation and Awareness

● Conduct motivation and counselling sessions.

● Career awareness programs.

● Encourage girls to dream of independence and a better future.

● Promote confidence and leadership skills.

 

Step 5: Safety, Legal Awareness, and Child Marriage Prevention

● Awareness about women and child helpline numbers.

● Encourage girls to seek help if they feel unsafe or forced into decisions.

● Strict action against child marriage with police and local authority support.

 

Step 6: Community and Skill Development Centres

● Establish centres for girls to meet weekly.

Activities to include:

1. Skill development

2. Sports

3. Fitness, yoga, and wellness sessions

4. Create safe spaces for sharing and learning.

 

4. Conclusion

 

The three-day field experience under the Jabaaz Kishori project highlighted serious challenges related to healthcare, education, infrastructure, and awareness. Addressing these issues through affordable healthcare, better roads, quality education, and motivation can help create a healthier, educated, and empowered generation of girls.

Find out more about the project at: Jaabaaz Kishori by Learning Forward India Foundation

A peek into the inner landscapes

"What is life when you are walking in the garden?" is what a teacher from Sunbeam School, Balia, and I were talking about in our recent Wisdom Mandli session on Saturday, when she used the word 'sukoon' in her response. When some cards kept appearing and disappearing on the screen, with questions that are felt but mostly not asked of each other in everyday conversation, I was asking myself: What interests me in the world now? What am I curious to find out- the chaos, the harmony and the functioning of everything around me. 

Sometimes, there is an assumption that learning sessions are online, and they seem slightly disorienting until you attend them with the intention of meeting and hearing the voices of educators and people sharing their conundrums in life and school. Take what speaks to you, and don't beat yourself up for everything that's beyond your head. 

Wisdom Mandli was a session that opened my curiosity about the mundane around me! I was aware of what I feel in the kitchen, in the garden, or under the stars (they are hardly visible now), but can I speak about just that to a fellow teacher? We live in different realities, but these are such universal feelings and experiences. We were just coming to a point in the discussion where we were brainstorming how we could bring wisdom to our children and still be able to teach our curriculum when it struck me- Isn't talking about it already a large part of why we would want our children to learn in the first place? We are surrounded by ecology and nature all the time, but we sometimes just bypass it and do not pause to wonder. These sessions with Wisdom Mandli by project Fuel are my gateway for this month to something larger than me, me, me. I'd like my students to tell me how they feel when they walk barefoot on the ground. I am curious about their observations. It is a peek into their inner landscapes, and these questions seem like a torch to go with. 

Neelashi Mangal is the Head of Training and Development at the Learning Forward India Foundation. You may wish to email her at NM@LearningForward.org.in