HYDERABAD: To tackle the educational disparities faced by govt school students, Vanaja, a psychologist and her husband Ravi Chandra, a govt employee, residing in Manikonda, have initiated a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning programme at Zilla Parishad High School (ZPHS) in their locality.
The aim: To provide hands-on learning experience in scientific concepts to students, fostering their interest in science subjects for the future.
“Initially, we visited the school to promote mental health practices among female students, as my wife is a psychologist. It became evident during these interactions that a majority of students lacked interest in science. To cultivate a scientific mindset and broaden their opportunities, we launched this initiative,” said S Ravi Chandra.
The programme has provided girls with hands-on access to equipment such as compasses, vernier callipers, prisms, and screw gauges, which they otherwise did not have access to.
“Early exposure to STEM training is vital for students below the 10th grade. Even if they don’t pursue the science stream, understanding the fundamentals is essential in today’s world. Typically, such training in the state is reserved for only class 11 science students,” said V Niranjan, principal of ZPHS Manikonda, where the programme is underway. To expand the initiative, the couple has also recruited two science teachers.
“We have identified 50 students with strong aptitude in science and plan to provide them with additional STEM training,” added S Vanaja, a psychologist, who also organised a similar session for the children of their support staff in nearby colonies.
The initiative has garnered interest from other professionals, both retired and currently employed, who wish to contribute.
“Recently, two retired BSNL employees expressed interest in volunteering at these schools. We are considering visits to institutions like IIIT Hyderabad and the DRDO to enhance their learning,” said Ravi Chandra.
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