Introduction:

In a significant step toward promoting physical education and holistic child development, Swabhiman Samiti organized a one-day teacher training workshop under its flagship initiative, Project Chhalang. The event was held at the Block Resource Center in Uska Bazar, Siddharthnagar, and witnessed the active participation of physical education nodal teachers from 32 government upper primary schools across the block.

The core philosophy of Project Chhalang is rooted in the belief that physical fitness and emotional well-being are essential components of quality education. In alignment with the National Education Policy’s emphasis on integrating sports and physical health into the school curriculum, this workshop was designed to empower teachers with both the knowledge and practical tools to make fitness an enjoyable and integral part of students’ daily routines.

Swabhiman Samiti has been actively working to bridge gaps in education and child development in rural Uttar Pradesh. This training workshop is a continuation of its efforts to build school environments that nurture not just academic excellence but also physical and mental wellness. By engaging teachers directly and providing them with hands-on training, the organization aims to create a ripple effect that reaches every student in the classroom and on the playground.

The workshop emphasized collaborative learning, practical demonstrations, and community engagement—ensuring that educators could return to their schools equipped with innovative ideas and renewed enthusiasm. The initiative also fostered a spirit of cooperation between various stakeholders, including government officials, educational leaders, and civil society partners.

Objectives:

The key objectives of the training workshop were:

  • To enhance the capacity of physical education teachers to conduct structured and engaging physical fitness activities.
  • To promote awareness around children’s physical and mental health within school systems.
  • To provide exposure to creative and inclusive games that build teamwork, confidence, and joy among students.
  • To build a network of trained teachers committed to implementing the goals of Project Chhalang across all participating schools.
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Participation and Activities:

1.    Inauguration and Welcome:

o   The workshop was inaugurated by Mr. Om Prakash Mishra, Block Education Officer (BEO), who stressed the importance of teamwork in bringing about meaningful societal change. He encouraged teachers to absorb the training wholeheartedly and implement it at the grassroots level.

o   Mrs. Mamta Verma, Chairperson of Swabhiman Samiti, honored the BEO with a memento and welcomed all guests and participants with warmth and encouragement.

o   Mr. Vinod Kumar Prajapati, Secretary of Swabhiman Samiti, gave a concise presentation on the organization’s vision and impact, especially under Project Chhalang.

2.    Training Sessions:

o   The main training was led by Project Manager Mamta Verma, who introduced various physical activities that teachers could replicate in their schools with minimal resources.

o   Sessions included interactive games, movement-based exercises, and group work. Teachers explored activities such as warm-up routines, relay games, and coordination exercises aimed at enhancing children’s motor skills and engagement.

o   Teachers were also divided into small groups to design and present physical activities, promoting peer learning and creativity.

3.    Collaborative Participation:

o   The workshop saw active involvement from teachers of 32 government upper primary schools.

o   Support and participation from the Piramal Foundation team—including Mr. Satyendra Pratap Singh, Mr. Yogendra Singh, Mr. Subhash Sahni, Mr. Manoj, Ms. Vimlesh, Ms. Sushmita, Mr. Bawi Kumar, and Mr. Deepak Arya—added depth and diversity to the training experience.

 

Impact and Outcomes:

The teacher training workshop marked a meaningful milestone in Swabhiman Samiti’s ongoing commitment to education reform and community empowerment. Teachers left the session with a clearer understanding of how to integrate fun, fitness, and emotional well-being into their daily teaching practices.

Key outcomes included:

  • Improved awareness and motivation among educators to prioritize physical education.
  • Practical tools and games that could be easily implemented in low-resource school settings.
  • Strengthened relationships between educators, administrative officials, and civil society actors.
  • A renewed sense of purpose among teachers to serve as changemakers in their schools and communities.

 

Ultimately, this training laid the foundation for a healthier, more active, and joyful school culture—one where every child gets the opportunity to thrive physically and emotionally alongside their academic growth.