Kasturba Gandhi Girls School
State Bureau, Jagran, Lucknow: 746 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) operated in educationally backward development blocks of the state are not just centers of education today, but have also become the laboratory of dreams of those girls who once found it a challenge to even reach school. The government has upgraded all KGBVs up to class 12, which has largely eliminated the possibility of girls dropping out of education.
Studying at KGBV no longer means just completing the curriculum. Through the Curiosity program started in collaboration with IIT Gandhinagar, Gujarat, emphasis is being laid on asking questions, reasoning and developing scientific thinking among girls. Digital education has been taken to the grassroots level with the establishment of smart classes and ICT labs in all schools.
Subjects like Mathematics and Science, which girl students often avoided, are now being taught in a simple and interesting manner through the online platform of Khan Academy. A KGBV-Ek Khel scheme has been implemented to nurture sports talents, so that along with studies, physical and mental development can also be ensured. Career guidance is being given through 'Pankh Portal' to prepare girls for the future.
Mukesh Singh, senior expert on girl child education, says that through self-defense training, guide activities, Meena Manch, life skills education and exposure visits, they are being equipped with self-confidence, leadership and decision-making abilities. Through the Prerna portal, not only the girl students but also the staff are being continuously monitored and guided. The KGBV model has proved that if given the right resources and environment, daughters from backward areas can also play leadership roles.