Lucknow, 08

March (HS): Addressing the event,

Director General of School Education, Monica Rani, commended the platform

provided to girls through the Meena Manch to realize their dreams, emphasizing

the role of teachers, parents, and society. On the occasion of International

Women's Day, UNICEF's crucial role in the educational development of girls was

highlighted.

She congratulated the girls honoured for their achievements in sports,

academics, and cultural activities, and also congratulated their parents and

teachers. The girls were advised to make their emotions their greatest strength

by combining them with logic and reason, and were encouraged to never let their

emotions become a weakness.

Girls were encouraged to take care of their mental and physical health,

as this is the foundation for doing something for their family and society.

Girls were encouraged to take advantage of opportunities provided by the

Education Department, such as Khan Academy, Kasturba Sports, Smart Classes, and

ICT Labs. They were advised to use information technology according to their

interests and only pursue what would help them advance, and the importance of

discipline was emphasized.

The need to embrace International Women's Day with determination and

persistence was emphasized, not just a one-day event. The department's ongoing

programs to inspire girls were commended and best wishes extended.

1. Pragati programme is a celebration to promote self-confidence,

leadership skills and expression among the children of Uttar Pradesh.

2. The programme provides a platform for children to speak and lead, recognises

child leadership in schools, encourages equality and inclusion and promotes

freedom of thought and expression.

3. Under Pragati, various programmes like self-defense training, gender

stereotypes are conducted, and six comic books and videos of 12 sessions are

provided by UNICEF.

4. To enhance the abilities of children and motivate them, the selection

process is conducted in three stages: Block level, District level and Divisional

level.

5. “My Change Story” video and comic book entries are invited at the block

level, ensuring equal participation of both boys and girls.

6. The entries are reviewed by master trainers at the district level and

selected students participating in creative activities are sent to the

divisional level.

7. 10 students who perform exceptionally well at the Divisional level are

selected for the State level as “Champions of Change”.

8. Pragati sees children not just as participants, but as thinkers, creators

and change makers who play an active role in the conversation about their

school and their future.

9. This programme gives the message that there is no limit to the children's

flight by giving them the opportunity to think, speak and lead, thereby

advancing themselves and also the entire education system.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi