- The University of Melbourne is partnering with Andhra Pradesh to expand its Schools Engagement Programme, benefiting over 50,000 underrepresented Indian students in grades 9-12
The University of Melbourne and Andhra Pradesh are collaborating to expand a Schools Engagement Programme for over 50,000 underrepresented Indian students in grades 9-12. Based on positive psychology and coaching, the programme aims to promote social mobility and career advancement, benefiting students and their communities.
This builds the students’ awareness, aspirations and agency, with increased levels of self-confidence, self-esteem and self-management reported, as well as an improved ability to make informed decisions and plans.
The University is partnering with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, the Department of School Education, Rotary International Districts in Zone 7, Rotary India Literacy Mission and Samaghra Shiksha, Andhra Pradesh, to support the programme, delivered by Global Education Solutions.
The Schools Engagement Programme was launched in 2019 and has already reached 8237 students and supported 178 teachers and around 15,000 parents, care providers and guardians. The programme has run in ten schools in Pune and nine schools in Madurai.
“The Schools Engagement Programme is one of the most important partnerships we have piloted in India and its enduring impact on the lives of young people, particularly disadvantaged girls, inspires us to replicate it in as many schools as possible. It helps local students and their parents and guardians explore what is possible in their future careers as we expand the programme from 8000 to a projected 50,000 by the end of 2024”, Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, The University of Melbourne, said.
“The Schools Engagement Programme is a pathway paved for the students of Andhra Pradesh to promote social mobility and career advancement using the transformative power of education”, B Srinivasa Rao, I.A.S, State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha, Andhra Pradesh, said.
“The Andhra Pradesh, India, school engagement programs aim to improve global culture and literacy rates by converting 59 per cent of women/girls’ literacy ratios to higher levels. The programme promotes diversity, equity and inclusion, ensuring gender equality for quality education rights. Parents’ approach will be positive, as children explore their mindsets and think creatively, leading to a “WOW” factor and a ‘One World, One Peace, One Life’ reality”, Dr Mahesh Kotbagi, Rotary International Director 2021-23, Trustee Rotary India Literacy Mission, said.
