Desert schools
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COMMENTS 
The marushalas are often the only schools in the Rajasthan desert. But they could rival some of the best practices in urban schools.
The marushalas (desert schools) of western Rajasthan exist where there are no other schools. Pioneered by an NGO called the Urmul Trust, this unique alternative desert school is any urban pupil's fantasy. There are no classes in the accepted sense of the term. No corporal punishment, no stress-inducing tests. Instead, a relaxed learning environment, where children look forward to coming to school.
The marushala follows the agricultural calendar, enabling its students to study as well as contribute to the family's livelihood.
At the marushala, students themselves chalk out the study programme. Teachers prepare for the following day's lesson, but ! these are flexible and can change at the last minute, depending on the students' request, preferences and convenience. This perhaps explains the kids' delight in attending school every day, often coming earlier than the scheduled time.
A Jaipur-based NGO Digantar designed the marushala curriculum. It also oversees the training of teachers and their evaluation. The syllabus is simple. Hindi, mathematics and environmental sciences are the subjects taught here. Several teaching aids are also employed to make for a smoother learning experience. Children are encouraged to be curious about everything.
Children start schooling at the age of three, but teaching begins only at age six. They join a formal schooling system from class six onwards. Homework is always light. Children progress from one grade to another based on their learning speed. Tests are conducted every three months as part of the normal schoo! l routine and they never feel intimidated by such tests.
Teachers visit homes regularly to brief parents upon their child's progress. This also enables them to identify children not attending school. Although fees are not mandatory, parents can pay a sum voluntarily.
The only problem appears to be that marushala students find it difficult to adjust to the formal school environment: they are not used to rote learning, physical punishment, and constraints in the development of their skills -- features that unfortunately continue to exist in the formal education system.
Contact: URMUL
Urmul Bhavan
Sri Ganganagar Road
Post Box - 55, Bikaner
! Rajasthan, India
Tel: 91-151-523 093/545 097