Dakshina Kannada School News Highlights :
- Dakshina Kannada school has turned into a radio station.
- To help youngsters overcome stage anxiety
At lunchtime, a rural school in Dakshina Kannada district’s Belthangady taluk transforms into a radio station so children can overcome stage anxiety by singing, reciting, impersonating, or cracking jokes.
Beginning of Radio Station
Radio Station, as it is known, began four years ago at Mariambika English-Medium School in Bebdrabettu, 16 kilometres from Belthangady town.
When schools were closed due to the pandemic, the microphone went silent, but when classes resumed, the students returned to sing and recite with increased confidence.
Equal Opportunities to Perform
When the station was first inaugurated, Sister Leena, the institution’s director, claimed the brief was clear.
Everyone would have the chance to perform, and no one would be judged.
“It started four years ago with the goal of helping students from rural areas overcome stage fright. The children had stage fright, so we decided to dedicate 15 minutes every day to help them overcome it. It’s been going well since then, and the students have noticed positive changes in them,” she said.
The school serves roughly 500 students in grades 1 through 10. She stated that the youngsters are allowed to do anything they enjoy.
“Some sing, while others tell jokes, imitate, discuss current events, hold a quiz, recite poems, or perform skits. The teachers give spaces to the students based on their class.
Sister Leena noticed difference among students after lockdown
Those students finish their meal early that day and dash to the microphone put up in the school corridor. Other students can hear them over speakers in each classroom. When the students returned to school following the lockdown, Sister Leena noticed a difference.
“We found that following the pandemic, people were more assertive and outspoken. In comparison to pre-Covid days, involvement is more active “she stated The department of public instruction has taken notice of the idea.
Shambhu Shankar Visit To School
Shambhu Shankar, coordinator of the Belthangady taluk’s block resource centre, paid a visit to the school.
“This activity improves students’ listening and speaking skills in their free time,” Shankar said, adding that “it also helps them overcome stage fear and it is 100 percent free time usage.” “I was overwhelmed while listening to a student speak in English about environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka,” Shankar said.
