The Tribal Affairs Department conducted a preliminary coordination interaction with Japan based SHIN Education for activity based learning to be introduced in 100 tribal area schools as a pilot project.The idea behind this innovative attempt is to empower the students with logical thinking and creativity through SHIN PROGRAM, a Japanese style experiential holistic group learning program from JAPAN, based on various hands-on activities. The main focus is the complete development of children, soft skills (non-cognitive abilities) and essential skills (cognitive abilities) through the Japanese style learning program.The initiative will be further expanded to more areas and schools with government supported external funding focusing on areas with tribal population.Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, held detailed meeting with SHIN representative, Takehiro Nakamura, who made a presentation on the partnership programme.Chief Executive Officer, Takanobu Tanaka, joined the discussion through video conference from Japan while Officer on Special Duty, Mission Youth, Tabish Saleem and other officers were also present in the consultative meeting. Pertinently, Tribal Affairs Department endeavours to strengthen primary education of students in remote tribal areas and the focus is on strengthening schools in catchment area of Eklavya Model Residential Schools besides covering migratory season schools.
Apart from infrastructure support the programme will focus on key learning outcomes.The objective of SHIN PROGRAM is not only to improve child's ability for a specific subject such as Mathematics and English, the initiative rather focuses on creating strong fundamental for all subjects in children and improving 21st century skills (Cognitive & Life skills) that are universally essential.The programme included hands-on activities like understanding skills, logical thinking, divergent thinking, creativity, imagination, memory, problem solving and self-discipline besides focusing on traits like compassion, responsibility, friendship, diligence, courage, perseverance, honesty and loyalty. It will leverage both technology and innovative methods of learning. Under this programme, capacity building of teachers has also been included.Learning with the programme is activity-based, interactive, motivative, integrated, flexible and above all enjoyable. Furthermore, Japanese style group learning methods are aimed at improving life skills of children. These methods will also be an eye-opening learning experience for teachers that they can utilize in many different situations. Under the pandemic situation, a Hybrid Style (Both Campus & Online Teaching) has been proposed to be adopted.The collaborative programme is being planned in tune with National Education Policy and in coordination with School Education Department at district level. Tribal Research Institute, J&K, will take up the pilot project along with action research and resource planning. Hostels of Tribal Department will act as nodal points at district level. The programme is being initiated for students for first, second and third classes in 100 schools being selected in tribal areas. This will be in addition to regular school course and curriculum.