Best Practice 1
Title of the Practice
Skill Oriented Vocational Certificate Courses
Objectives of the Practice
What are the objectives / intended outcomes of this “best practice” and what are the underlying principles or concepts of this practice (in about 100 words)?
The objectives of the practice include impartation of skill oriented vocational training to girl students from rural villages, studying in the college. The practice envisages that the students should be taught such skills that may be used to gain employment or entrepreneurship, if needed.
To provide free training to interested students
To provide certificate of completion to successful candidates
The Context
What were the contextual features or challenging issues that needed to be addressed in designing and implementing this practice (in about 150 words)?
IQAC, during discussion, felt that the rural girl students studying in the college should be provided skill oriented vocational training with certification so as to make them economically self-sufficient is needed. Two courses that were finalized are (1) Sewing Classes and (2) Beauty and Hair Treatment
Finance for the project was the main concern because the prospective students for whom the practice was initiated belong to rural households with limited financial resources. The Management of the institute came forward to provide financial assistance for the practice and hence the course could be introduced free of cost to all interested students. The Management purchased sewing machines and all allied material. Even the cloth needed to learn stitching was provided free of cost by the Management. An experienced lady instructor was also appointed for the Sewing Course. Dr J M Patel is nominated as the coordinator. 68 students successfully completed the course and were conferred certificates.
Similarly, for Beauty and Hair Treatment Course all necessary equipment and material was procured by the Management and provided free of cost. Instructor for the course was also appointed by the Management. DR J K Vohra is nominated as the coordinator for the practice. 70 candidates completed the course successfully and received certification.
The Practice
The practice is unique in the context of Indian higher education as it supplements academic qualification with skill for employability. It supports the government’s vision of providing skill oriented learning to graduating students. Moreover, it also vindicates the institution’s vision which aims to educate women for social transformation. Both these certificate courses were sponsored by the Management of the institute. The students received additional training with potential for economic independence and support.
Evidence of Success
68 students successfully completed certificate course in Sewing while 70 students enrolled and received certificate for completing Beauty and Hair Treatment course. The certificate provided by the college can also be used to seek start up loan from government agencies for setting up small business and start up.
Problems Encountered and Resources Required
Finance appeared to be a problem initially. The course would been unsustainable as rural students studying in the institute mostly belong to economically under privileged agrarian strata that is economically dependent on farming.
Resources required for Sewing Classes include:
1 Sewing Machines
2 Cloth for stitching and practice
3 Instructor
4 Dedicated space for the practice
5 Coordination to oversee the progress and provide certification
Resources required for Beauty and Hair Treatment Course include:
Basic equipment required for any beauty parlour
Trained instructor
Dedicated space
Coordination to oversee the progress and provide certification
Best Practice 2
Title of the Practice
Health and Wellness Activities
Objectives of the Practice
To promote physical, psychological and social well being in women students
To organize awareness programmes on sanitation, personal hygiene for overall well being
To record basic height and weight of students and recommend appropriate action and free medical supplements (if necessary)
To organize lectures for awareness about health and wellness
To facilitate medical tests for students and other women from the neighboring villages
To promote sanitation, health and wellness for holistic growth of women students
The Context
Students studying in the institute generally come from the under privileged strata of rural society and are seen to be less inclined towards personal health. The institute, with the help of T B hospital, monitors and records the primary health parameters of all its students and organizes health and wellness programmes for the students and women from neighborhood community. The institute believes that proper education of women students cannot be fully achieved without tackling the social, developmental, awareness for prevention of HIV /AIDS, health and wellness issues from a gender perspective.
The Practice
The uniqueness of the practice, in the context of Indian Higher Education system, ensues from the fact that health and wellness have been prioritized for the holistic development of students. The idea gradually evolved after the peer team visit in 2014. The institute initiated to record the height and weight of all its students and in collaboration with T B hospital advised students about the importance of health and hygiene. Vitamin and Iron supplements are provided to the students on the recommendation of the doctors. Lectures on issues related to women’s health are arranged throughout the year in association with the Indian Red Cross Society, Red Ribbon Club, AAYUSH Foundation and T B Hospital. The importance of health and wellness is also propagated through rallies and residential camps in nearby villages. Over the last five years, thalassemia test for students and Mammography test for 280 rural women from nearby villages was facilitated through the NSS unit of the college. Students are provided sanitation pads at subsidized rates by the College Women’s Development Cell. Incinerator has been installed to maintain proper disposal of sanitary pads.
Evidence of Success
Students have become more aware of their personal health and hygiene. Increased number of students show willingness to attend health related lectures. Students are gradually overcoming the traditional taboo and inhibition by showing behavioral change leading towards better health. The success of the practice can also be gauged from the fact that 248 rural women have been facilitated for mammography examination, free of cost. The NSS officer and one volunteer were invited to Doordarshan to discuss the success of the practice. Their interview was telecast live on television.
Problems Encountered and Resources Required
Initial inhibition and lack of awareness is the main constraint in implementing the practice. But over the years students have become more aware. The College has signed MoU with the T B hospital. Medical experts are also invited through Indian Red Cross Society, Red Ribbon Club. HIV and AIDS awareness programmes also experience initial reluctance. Sanitary pads are provided by the College Women’s Development Cell.