Jamshedpur: A district-wide learning drive in West Singhbhum will encourage children from Bal Vatika to Class V to read beyond textbooks, understand what they read and narrate their own stories, as the administration seeks to strengthen foundational language skills among primary school students.The campaign, “Mere Shabd, Meri Kahani”, is focusing on improving children’s comprehension, vocabulary and ability to listen, speak, read and write. It will also encourage teachers, parents and communities to create regular opportunities for children to engage with books and express their thoughts.The initiative is particularly relevant in West Singhbhum, where a large number of children in govt schools belong to tribal communities and live in rural and remote areas. For many first-generation learners, difficulties with language and comprehension can affect classroom participation and learning across subjects.“Developing the habit of reading and improving comprehension among children is crucial for building a strong academic foundation,” deputy commissioner Manish Kumar said. “Through ‘Mere Shabd, Meri Kahani’, we want to encourage children to read in an interesting and simple manner, express their thoughts through words and gradually develop confidence in storytelling.”Kumar said schools must ensure that children get opportunities to read, listen, speak and write regularly, while parents and the wider community should support the effort at home.The administration launched the campaign recently, with Kumar flagging off an outreach vehicle from the district collectorate in Chaibasa. The vehicle will visit schools and communities to support the learning drive. District education officer Prince Kumar and other officials were present.The campaign comes as the state expands mother-tongue-based learning in tribal areas. TOI had reported that a multilingual education programme was being implemented in more than 1,000 schools across eight districts, including West Singhbhum, benefiting around 35,400 children. The programme uses tribal languages such as Ho, Mundari, Santhali, Kurukh and Kharia to improve access to early-grade learning and strengthen children’s confidence in classrooms.West Singhbhum currently has 1,345 primary schools and 556 middle schools, according to district education data.
