Gitesh Parab, Aarambh English School, Diva, Thane
Background
Gitesh Pranab, who comes from an average middle class family, always harbored a passion for education. After completing his MSc, he took up a job in management information systems (MIS) and found it financially rewarding. However, he soon realized his heart wasn’t in sedentary work. In 2014, after completing his B.Ed, he decided to focus on education and eventually became involved in managing a school. “Management skills made me desire to own a school,” he adds, confidently. He eventually left his job and found colleagues who supported his dream of having their own school. “Facing challenges helps me become stronger,” Gitesh says, grateful for his colleagues’ constant support.
Inspiration
While working in management, Gitesh understood what parents really wanted for their kids: quality and holistic education. “Parents want their children to grow up and become knowledgeable and compassionate individuals,” he notes. Recognizing the financial challenges many face, Gitesh aimed at providing exceptional education at an affordable cost. A former colleague with 25 years of experience played a big part in inspiring and encouraging him to start his own school. “Parents desire quality education but often struggle with the high costs. I wanted to change that,” shares Gitesh as he makes confident strides ahead in the sector.
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About the School
Life after quitting his job was tough for Gitesh. He and his colleagues ran tuition classes just to get by before finally starting the school in 2020. But when the COVID-19 lockdown happened, they had to switch to online education right after opening the school. “We faced challenges head-on and worked tirelessly to make the school grow and increase enrollment,” shares the school leader. Even though it was a difficult time, their honesty and commitment to quality education helped them go from 56 to 650 students.
Giving credit to his teachers, Gitesh acknowledges them as a big part of the school’s success. “Our success is intertwined with our teachers’ professional growth, and I value that immensely. We have regular training sessions for teachers on using technology in education and improving English speaking skills,” Gitesh stresses. He claims his team also prioritizes open communication with parents and aims to be the institution they can easily approach. The school believes in diversity, celebrates different cultures and has an E-learning system, following the idea of ‘Unity in diversity.’ “We are aiming to improve students’ communication skills with a 3-month foundational English-speaking course, our team is dedicated to providing top-notch education and a strong support system for our students,” Gitesh emphasizes.
School During the Pandemic
Gitesh shares that even though the school was new, they maintained consistency in online classes and ensured uninterrupted education. “Because of our hard work, we had a 70-80% attendance rate in online classes, showing that we were indeed providing quality education,” he notes. He’s thankful for the teachers, some of whom worked without getting paid during the tough time to keep the school going. Now that the school has reopened, everything is getting back to normal, the school leader assures.
Proud Moment
Despite facing numerous challenges, Gitesh is proud that their school has always recognized the significance of extracurricular activities. “Winning first place in an interschool dance competition is a testament to our commitment to holistic development,” says the man who firmly believes that with these small steps, his school will eventually achieve significant success. “I believe we will reach the top someday,” Gitesh adds.
Varthana’s Support
To enhance the learning experience at his school, Gitesh utilized Varthana’s funds to construct two special classrooms for E-learning. “Varthana’s support has been instrumental in elevating our school’s standards and attracting quality parents,” he remarks. He found the loan process hassle-free and appreciated the friendly and supportive nature of Varthana’s team.
Vision
Gitesh has big dreams and plans for the future of his school. “Dedication to offering top-notch education and activities for children has always been my driving force,” he emphasizes. The proposal of expanding the school to 12th grade and starting a junior college with affordable fees shows how much he cares about making education accessible to everyone. Also, his vision of introducing a sports academy for traditional Indian sports like Kho-Kho and Kabaddi is a great initiative to foster physical activity and instill healthy habits in children. “Ensuring both mental and physical well-being of my staff and students is important for me,” concludes Gitesh.
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