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Keywords
Science, Math, Resource Group, Resource Center, Books, Government, Schools, Primary, Upper primary, middle school, high school, Rural, Urban
Geographical Location
Chennai, Tamilnadu
Languages
Tamil, English
Philosophy/Beliefs
The Tamil Nadu Science Forum is a people's movement that has been mobilizing and empowering the underprivileged to help themselves since the 1980. The Science movements, like many others movements tries to change the way the society thinks, in this case by giving a critical understanding of science. The first agenda of the science movement has been to inform the common people on what science is being done, how and why i.e. to analyze policies, educate people and mobilizing public opinion on issues.
Work Description
The group was started by research scientists from IIT and IISC, who soon realized that critiquing the science policy and mobilizing people was not enough. They had to develop solutions that could be used by the common man and alternate models in literacy, education, health, enterprises and agriculture. Through these models, it was attempted to restructure science-learning techniques. These techniques were successfully demonstrated in a ‘joy of learning’ school. This was followed by training teachers to use innovative teaching methods, training village women to use health information and training farmers to use science to improve soil. The science movement also works towards the construction of a rational society by explaining natural phenomenon using science and countering irrational beliefs and superstitions.
From 1989-1995 TNSF developed a mass literacy campaign in 8 districts, which reached out to 2000 villages, mobilized 20,000 teachers and 200,000 learners. As years have progressed, each district has tried its own experiments on social development. Some of the more important ones are self- reliant saving schemes for women (Kanyakumari, Virudunagar), health training programs involving training volunteers to provide individual advice on children and women's needs (Ramnad), enterprises for women (Madurai), quarry contracts for women groups (Pudukottai), working on school drop-outs (Villupuram and Cuddalore), activity based school (Vellore), and support shelter for women victims of violence (Ramnad).
The focus of TNSF is now to integrate and expand ideas that have worked. In education these are innovative teaching methods, libraries for women and rural IT centers. TNSF is developing educational software for schools and have started 20 computer education and information centers in rural areas. Vizhuthu –a teacher’s magazine, has strengthened teacher-networks in several places. These and several other ideas are being nurtured and spread to new blocks.
The strength of TNSF lies in its ability to campaign on larger issues while at the same time demonstrating how these ideas actually improve the lives of the poor and in their volunteers who take time out helping in schools, visiting villages, organizing programs, training and raising funds.
Resources Available
- Books, Booklets, Magazines on Science Topics
- Literacy Materials
- Training Resources
Contact Information
Balaji Sampath
130/3, Avvai Shanmugam Salai
Gopalapuram, Chennai, Tamilnadu 600086
Phone: (044) 2811 3630
Website Links
Village Libraries Movement – Article in Revive 2004
Presentation at January 2003 conference