Physical education, farther afield

Having already developed physical education (PE) at the Gram Vikas academies in Kankia and Koinpur, Pro Sport Development appointed Santosh Das as a PE teacher in ThuamulRampur Academy. Since its inception, Pro Sport Development’s objective has been to provide structured physical education at the four schools participating in the Khel Vikas project.

Whilst students at ThuamulRampur school receive high quality education, it is hoped their exposure to organised sport lessons will aid in their holistic educational development. Das, in a short span of six weeks, has already begun to convey the many benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle through a range of sporting activities.

Whilst his own specialities include the traditional sports of Kho kho and Kabaddi, Das has thrown himself into learning football, volleyball and handball as well as other core skills and activities that are integral to the Khel Vikas PE curriculum. Das, alongside Hansdah, are themselves products of the Khel Vikas project and through the development pathways provided by Pro Sport Development, they are now able to teach and inspire the next generation of tribal children in Odisha.

The benefits of an organised physical education and sports programme are recognised by the headmaster, Mr. Aurobindo Swain. He believes that participation in sports serves as an excellent medium through which the tribal children of Kalahandi can grow and learn, apart from the formal education provided by the school. Sport, he believes, can harness the energy and motivation of the children, and keep their minds away from the conflict that has troubled the Kalahandi district for the past decade.

[This article has been edited by the Operating Team.]