Opinion | Teachers as Pillars of Education in Army Goodwill Schools

For any society to improve, teachers are a crucial part of that progress. Teachers build tomorrow and shape the future scientists, doctors, politicians, engineers and artists of society. They guide us, teach us, help us grow and nourish our abilities so that we can become what we aspire to be. Looking at the overall importance of teachers, they truly are the pillars of education. However, when the dynamics of geography, school location and available facilities change, the role and importance of teachers can take on an even greater significance. For example, if we talk about teachers in Army Goodwill Schools, these schools are themselves a story of support for education in Kashmir, and the teachers in these schools follow the same path.

Army Goodwill Schools are mostly located in remote areas, far from urban centres, providing access to education for children who have limited choices and often do not have easy access to several basic amenities. Such schools help fill this gap by providing quality education at an affordable cost, allowing children from underprivileged families to receive education and opportunities that may otherwise remain out of reach. Their focus is not limited to academics. Co-curricular activities, sports, art and NCC are also important parts of these schools, helping provide holistic development to hundreds of students. Apart from education, Army Goodwill Schools also provide employment opportunities to thousands of people and become a source of livelihood for countless families.

Making such schools a success story can largely be attributed to the quality of their teachers. Schools may provide good infrastructure and facilities, but it is the teachers who shape the environment and bring the institution to life. Teachers in Army Goodwill Schools have been a tremendous contributor to making these schools a preferred choice for many families. There is no doubt that these schools provide quality education, and a major reason behind this is their dedicated and capable teachers. They ensure that students receive teaching of a high standard while also guiding them beyond academics and helping them grow with confidence, discipline and a sense of responsibility.

The role of a teacher is not limited to completing a syllabus or preparing students for examinations. A teacher understands the needs of students and creates an environment where they feel comfortable learning. In many remote areas, children come from different backgrounds and face different challenges. Some may have limited exposure to the outside world, while others may lack confidence in speaking or participating in activities. Teachers help bridge these gaps through patience, encouragement and regular guidance. That is what AGS are known for and that is what teachers of army schools provide to it students. In Army Goodwill Schools, teachers often become more than classroom instructors. They become mentors for their students. They listen to their problems, encourage them to work harder and help them understand the importance of education. For a child growing up in a remote village, a teacher can sometimes be the first person to tell them that they can dream of becoming a doctor, engineer, teacher, officer, sportsperson or anything else they choose. Such encouragement can have a lasting impact on a young mind and that is a what students receive from their teachers in Army Goodwill schools. One of the most important contributions of teacher is building confidence among students. Academic knowledge is important, but confidence is equally necessary for success. A student who is afraid of speaking in front of others may hesitate to participate in school activities. A teacher slowly encourages that student to speak, ask questions and express opinions. Over time, these small steps can make a major difference in the student’s personality. Teachers also play an important role in developing discipline and responsibility. School is not only a place where children learn mathematics, science, languages or social studies. It is also a place where they learn how to behave responsibly and work with others. Teachers teach students the value of punctuality, cleanliness, respect and hard work through their daily actions. These habits remain useful long after students leave school. AGS are known for these schools derive discipline from the Indian army and inculcate it into students and teachers make that possible, that is how teachers of AGS feed mannerism into students. Another important area is communication. Many children may not get enough opportunities to interact with people outside their immediate surroundings. AGS teachers provide that opportunity through classroom discussions, debates, presentations, cultural programmes and other activities. Such activities help students improve their language skills and become more comfortable expressing themselves. For students, this opens doors to higher education and employment opportunities later in life. Teachers in AGS encourage students to take part in activities beyond academics. Sports, cultural programmes, drawing, debates and other competitions help children discover their interests and abilities. A teacher who notices a student’s talent encourages them to develop it further. A child who performs well in sports may receive the motivation to pursue it seriously. Similarly, a student interested in writing, public speaking or music can receive guidance from teachers to develop that talent.

So, a teacher in an Army Goodwill School is not only a teacher, he is a guardian, mentor, friend and supervisor who nurtures students, guide them, recognise their talents and encourage them to grow. From teaching and academics to sports, art and co-curricular activities, teachers play an important role in every aspect of a student’s development. They help build discipline and confidence, encourage participation, supervise students and support their overall growth. This is what a teacher in an Army Goodwill School brings to the lives of students, helping them build a better tomorrow for themselves and for Kashmir, and making AGS teachers an important pillar of education in the Kashmir valley.

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