Vidya Amrit Mahotsav Chronicles: Tales of Innovative Pedagogy 2

In a world where conversations about child safety are still just whispers, countless children remain vulnerable due to a lack of awareness and requisite knowledge. The absence of open discussions leaves our young minds unsafe. Recognising this critical gap, Ms. Manjinder Kaur stepped forward with an innovative solution. Her “Good Touch, Bad Touch” micro-improvement project combines education with play. It empowers children with the knowledge and confidence to recognise and respond to unsafe situations.

At the heart of her project lies a creative adaptation of the classic game of snakes and ladders. The snakes symbolise potential abusers, teaching children to assertively say “NO” when faced with unsafe situations. While the ladders represent supportive individuals or positive influences, reinforcing the importance of saying “YES” to healthy, nurturing relationships. The engaging format was further complemented by an educational video, helping children grasp the differences between appropriate and inappropriate touch in a memorable and interactive way.

The impact of this project has been transformative. Children who once lacked the tools to identify and address harmful behavior now participated actively, demonstrating a newfound understanding and awareness of their personal safety. Recognising the innovation and effectiveness of this initiative, Ms. Manjinder’s project was celebrated as one of the best innovations at the Vidya Amrit Mahotsav.

Through interactive play sessions, educational videos, and creative games like Snakes and Ladders, Manjinder has captivated the imaginations of young learners, making complex topics more accessible. Ms. Manjinder leverages YouTube and Facebook to share educational content, making learning fun and meaningful for children while supporting educators and parents with accessible resources. This has sparked a ripple effect, with other teachers reaching out to adopt her methods, and students actively sharing their newfound knowledge with peers, further amplifying her impact.

Ms. Manjinder’s passion for teaching goes far beyond the classroom, having declined promotions twice. She remains steadfast in her mission and plans to continue this work even after retirement. Her unwavering dedication is a reminder of the profound influence a teacher can have, not only in shaping the learning experiences of students but also in safeguarding their future and well-being.

Meet the Authors

Aatira Susan Benny

Aatira Susan Benny has a passion for telling stories that matter. She enjoys turning real-life events into compelling, accessible narratives that resonate with a broad audience. Working in the NGO sector, Aatira focuses on sharing impact-driven stories and uses social media as a tool to reach and connect with as many people as possible

Sonal Bhasin

A hopeful dreamer who prefers to breathe in a fictional world of a good book than in the real one, a designer who wishes to make the world more aesthetic, colorful and beautiful than she found it to be, and the communication lead for ShikshaLokam in pursuit of becoming a storyteller. Sonal is an education enthusiast, who has herself been teaching for over 12 years and strongly believes in the power of education, opportunity and hard work.