The Kejriwal government’s revolutionary education initiatives have gained global recognition over the past few years. Delhi government schools have now become a source of inspiration for many teachers and academicians around the world who are eager to make remarkable changes in classrooms. In view of this, today a delegation of 15 American teachers visited Rajkiya Sarvodaya Kanya/Bal Vidyalaya, West Vinod Nagar. These teachers are part of the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classroom program by Fulbright Teachers Exchanges run by the US Government.
The visit commenced with a warm welcome from the Delhi Education Minister Ms. Atishi. Thereafter American teachers witnessed the transformative impact of the Delhi Education Model firsthand during their visit to the school. They actively engaged with the primary section, participated in the renowned Happiness Class, and experienced the Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum class. These interactions provided invaluable insights into the curriculum and pedagogies being implemented by the Delhi government schools that have garnered worldwide admiration.
During the visit, the cohort of American teachers had the opportunity to engage with Education Minister Ms. Atishi, who elucidated the Kejriwal government’s educational policies to them. Reflecting on the state of the public education system in India, Ms. Atishi said, “The scenario of the divide between public and private schools is no different in India from other parts of the world. Today, 70% of the children in India have moved to private education due to the deteriorating condition of state government schools. It is mostly the children of people who can’t afford costly education in private schools that attend government schools.” Ms. Atishi emphasized that the main aim of the Kejriwal government is to change this scenario and make quality education accessible for every child in Delhi, irrespective of their background.
Highlighting the extraordinary progress achieved in Delhi Government Schools, Ms. Atishi said, “Remarkable change in Delhi Government Schools can be seen today because the Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal, has kept education as its top priority. Delhi presently has the highest budgetary allocation for education compared to other states across the country. 25% of our state budget goes into education. This is one of the reasons that has expedited the process of transforming education in the past 8 years in Delhi.” Ms. Atishi further emphasized the investments made in teacher training, significant improvements in school infrastructure, and the development of three unique mindset curriculums aimed at fostering responsible citizenship among students.
She said, “One of the significant achievements of the government has been the remarkable change in perception among parents and students about Delhi Government schools. Over the past few years, hundreds of thousands of children have shifted from private schools to Delhi government schools, indicating the success of the progressive reforms implemented. Kejriwal Government is aiming to make India No.1 through education, which is its main priority.”
Appreciating international teacher exchange programs like Fulbright Teacher Exchanges, Ms. Atishi highlighted their significance, stating, “Programs like Fulbright Teacher Exchanges provide an invaluable opportunity for teachers to experience different education systems and cultures world over. They play a crucial role in fostering global collaboration and promoting the exchange of ideas and best practices in education. The exposure gained through such programs allows teachers to bring back fresh perspectives and innovative teaching methods to their classrooms, benefiting students and enriching the overall educational landscape. We are delighted to welcome the cohort of American teachers who have shown excellence in their practice and leadership in their home school districts.”
It is to be noted that the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program offers American teachers a unique opportunity to experience the rich history, education system, and culture of countries around the world. The program includes group instruction on various topics, school visits, meetings with education leaders, as well as cultural excursions and workshops. The participating educators, recognized for their excellence and leadership in their home school districts, teach various subjects and cater to diverse grade and age levels.
Teachers from the American Delegation shared
Alex Pajares, a teacher from Brooklyn, New York shared, “The visit to this Delhi government school and witnessing the Delhi Education Model firsthand has been truly eye-opening. The innovative approaches and the state government’s commitment to excellence in education are truly inspiring.”
Another teacher Marilyn Pryle from Pennsylvania said, “I am amazed by the transformative impact of the Delhi Education Model. It has challenged my perspective on education and has motivated me to bring similar innovative practices to my own classroom. Developing Entrepreneurship Mindset among students is an important part of education in current scenario, Delhi Government is implementing it in its schools in a unique way through EMC.”
“The Delhi Education Model is a shining example of how prioritizing education and investing in teacher training can lead to remarkable changes in the lives of students. I am excited to implement the lessons learned during this visit in my own teaching practice,” added Katerina M. Johnson from Aurora, Colorado.
