New Delhi: In a bid to provide
specialised assistance to children who are identified with learning
disabilities, the Government of Delhi has launched 'Project Smile'. Deputy
Chief Minister Shri Manish Sisodia said, "When we launched 'Every Child
Can Read campaign', the Government was serious about reaching every child in
our schools. Project Smile will ensure that no child will be left behind as a
result of their learning disability. We are optimistic about the future of
these children, and with special attention, I am confident they will achieve
success in school and in life."
It is noted that the
Government of Delhi's "Every Child Can Read" campaign concluded
successfully on 14th November. Across Classes 6 to 8, more than one lakh
children were able to progress to a level where they could read their
grade-level textbook. However, approximately 5% of children could not go beyond
identifying alphabets despite the schools' efforts, in the 30-day "Reading
Campaign".
The Government has
identified 35,000 such children, who will be tested for learning disabilities
and thereafter would be provided appropriate learning support. In an effort to
provide specialised assistance to children who are identified with learning
disabilities, the Government has launched 'Project Smile'. Project Smile is aimed at reaching every child
studying in Delhi's government schools and to prevent the possibility of
neglect of such children.
These 35,000 children
will be administered screening tests by Special Education Teachers and
Counsellors to identify if any of them have learning disabilities. Based on the
results of these screening tests, these Special Education Teachers and
Counsellors will be allotted groups of children, for specialised support based
on their specific learning disability.
A Control Unit would be
set up in the Directorate to monitor the ongoing implementation of this
project. The Government's effort to enhance learning outcomes has taken a more
inclusive approach after the launch of Project Smile. The Government is working
on multiple levels with every stakeholder to upgrade the quality of public
education available in Delhi. 'Every Child Can Read' campaign and Project Smile
are two of the most far reaching initiatives in terms of impact on learning
outcomes.
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