Best Practices
BEST PRACTICE 1
ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT WITH ADOPTED SCHOOL
Objective:
- To strengthen ties with the local community.
- To contribute towards the overall growth and prosperity of the community.
- To take education beyond the classrooms.
Context:
In pursuance of the outreach activities of the college, Govt. Middle school Panjkherwari, Meerakshah Colony, was adopted by the college on 20th April 2022. The school is situated in the suburbs of Srinagar and the majority of the local community belongs to the marginalized section of the society. The students of the school come from below-poverty-line families, many orphans and some from broken families. While interacting with the students most of the students reported that they come to the school for mid-day meals. While interacting with the administration of the school they reported that although they have good infrastructure but there is a dearth of human resources which hinders the efficient working of the school.
Practice:
An impactful best practice that the college has adopted to strengthen ties with the local community is our collaboration with a nearby school (Government Middle School Panjkherwari, Meerakshah Colony, Batpora, Srinagar) through a continuous engagement process by organizing awareness lectures, educational activities, invitations to participate in various cultural and sports events.
One key aspect of this best practice involves conducting awareness lectures. The college organizes informative sessions covering a range of topics, including educational topics, quiz competitions, informative lectures, personal development health, and hygiene. These lectures aim to empower students with knowledge, we invite and actively involve the students from the school to our college, providing them with an opportunity to explore the campus, interact with students, and faculty members, gain insights into the academic and extracurricular offerings, and fostering a sense of aspiration and motivation for pursuing higher education. In addition to lectures and campus visits, we organize collaborative events that promote cultural exchange. Musical, singing events and sports competitions are among the highlights, where students from both the college and school come together to celebrate diversity, showcase talent, and build lasting friendships.
Evidence of Success:
These practices not only contribute to the cultural enrichment of the college but also create an overall inclusive positive impact promoting a sense of unity and mutual respect. These visits serve as a bridge between them and our college, breaking down barriers and encouraging a sense of familiarity and belonging.
This best practice exemplifies our commitment to education beyond the classroom, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, collaboration, and the development of well-rounded individuals.
Problems encountered and resources required;
Problem 1: Financial constraints may limit the resources available for school adoption programs.
Resources Required: External funding through partnerships, grants, or sponsorships.
Problem 2: Lack of proper planning,
Resources Required: Develop a sustainability plan that includes long-term funding strategies, community involvement, and capacity-building initiatives.
Problem 3: Schools and colleges may face legal and regulatory challenges in implementing collaborative initiatives.
Resources Required: Legal advice in this regard should be readily available to ensure compliance with regulations, and establish clear agreements between colleges and schools to address legal concerns.
BEST PRACTICE 2
CORPUS FUND
Objective:
- Ensure that economically disadvantaged students have access to higher education by covering tuition fees, textbooks, and other essential educational expenses.
- Establish scholarship and grant programs to recognize academic excellence and provide financial aid to poor students, enabling them to pursue their studies without significant financial burden.
- Address the financial challenges that may lead to dropouts among poor students.
- Promote inclusivity and equal opportunity by supporting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that financial limitations do not hinder their ability to excel academically.
Context:
The college caters to the needs of girls from marginalized sections of society from economically weaker sections, fisherman families, and artisan backgrounds. Many students are orphans and are not able to meet the financial implications of higher education.
Practice:
Recognizing the financial challenges that some deserving students face, the college has instituted a unique initiative by creating a fund solely through contributions made by the dedicated staff. This endeavor is a witness to our collective belief in the transformative power of education and our commitment to the cause that every deserving student gets the opportunity to pursue academic dreams.
This staff-led educational initiative reflects the generosity and solidarity of our faculty and administrative members. Through voluntary contributions, our staff actively participates in building a fund designed to support students who may require financial assistance. This initiative not only raises a sense of community within our college but also reinforces the values of empathy and social responsibility.
The funds are collected and maintained under the supervision of the Secretary Staff Council who acts as the treasurer and a committee exists for coordinating the process. The fund is earmarked to meet various educational purposes, including depositing of annual fees, purchase of textbooks, study materials, etc. of deserving students who otherwise are ineligible to claim financial aid for which only three categories are notified as per government regulations. The committee verifies the details of such needy students and even visits their families for the same. The college has decided to open a permanent bank account for this, with auto-debit service from the voluntary contributors of the staff council and from next year onwards direct transfer to the accounts of beneficiaries will be done.
Evidence of Success:
This best practice creates a direct and tangible impact on the lives of those who may otherwise face obstacles in pursuing higher education. Success stories of students who have benefited from the fund serve as a source of inspiration, reinforcing the positive change that can be achieved through collective efforts. By pooling our resources, we aim to alleviate the financial burden on deserving students, allowing them to focus on their studies and unlock their full potential without the hindrance of financial constraints.
Problems encountered and resources required:
Problem 1: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the corpus fund can be challenging.
Resources Required: Establishing a sustainable fundraising strategy, diversify funding sources, and consider investment options to generate continuous returns.
Problem 2: The corpus fund may face limitations in terms of available funds.
Resources Required: Fundraising events, partnerships with businesses, alumni contributions and grant applications.
Problem 3: Adhering to legal and regulatory requirements in managing the corpus fund can be complex.
Resources Required: Seeking legal advice, establishing a compliance team, and staying updated on relevant regulations to ensure the fund’s operations are in line with legal requirements.
INSTITUTIONAL DISTINCTIVENESS
The college is nestled in the suburbs and rural areas surrounding the capital city of Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir, The college’s location ensures accessibility for girls from diverse backgrounds who may face challenges in commuting to city centres. The College caters to the needs of girls from marginalized sections of society from economically weaker sections, fisherman families, and artisan backgrounds. This strategic positioning facilitates increased participation of girls from marginalized communities and the college stands out as a beacon of empowerment and education. Besides the college being the sole pure women’s college in the city and understanding the conservative societal norms prevalent in the area, the college has created a safe and supportive environment that respects cultural sensitivities. This approach fosters an atmosphere where young women can pursue education without compromising their cultural values. This inclusivity fosters a diverse and enriching learning environment.
Many of our students are pioneers in their families, being the first to pursue higher education. Our college takes pride in breaking down barriers and encouraging these young women to strive for higher education and thereby empowering not only individuals but also transforming communities in line with our vision and mission.
Recognizing the importance of skill development, the college offers training programs in cutting, tailoring, and knitting as short term non-credit course. This initiative equips our students with valuable vocational skills, enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial potential. These skills align with the local economic landscape, providing meaningful avenues for sustainable livelihoods.
The college actively engages with the local community, collaborating with fisherman families and artisan communities. This community-centric approach ensures that the college’s initiatives are responsive to the unique needs and aspirations of the students it serves.
Innovative and Smart Teaching:
The main objective of the practice was: To provide financial, material, physical and moral assistance to administration for the management of the Covid-19 pandemic, to create awareness regarding Covid-19 management, to provide psychological support to staff, students and community and to facilitate vaccination of staff, students and community.
The college employs various ICT-based tools in day-to-day learning and all the classrooms have been modernized with IFPDs. Besides, with the onset of the covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, the ICT has come to the rescue of the students as well as the teachers and as a result, has now a wider acceptance and use in the college. Conventional classroom teaching is aided with use of ICT to make the teaching/learning process more interesting, effective and learner-centered. Some of the prominent ICT based tools used are as under: Online Video Lectures/Classes, PowerPoint presentations, E-Content, Interactive Flat Panel Display (IFPD), Online assessments, Online Quizzes & Competitions, Webinars. Besides, whatsapp and emails have been utilized as an efficient tool for circulation of information among the different stakeholders.
Skill Development Initiative:
The college has created a Skill Development Cell of its own named as Gosha-i-Hunar. To revive the tradition of knitting and to inculcate the art of knitting among the young generation, the club imparts certificate course in machine knitting under Garment Technology with certification from Govt. Polytechnic for Women, Bemina, Srinagar. Kashmir being a cold place has tremendous market for woolen clothes and production and marketing of machine knit woolens can definitely help the students to earn while they learn in the college. The course is thus expected to bridge the gap between education and employment. The college also aims at broadening the opportunities by way of offering more such modernized heritage craft courses.
Assistance in Covid-19 Management:
The main objective of the practice was: To provide financial, material, physical and moral assistance to administration for the management of the Covid-19 pandemic, to create awareness regarding Covid-19 management, to provide psychological support to staff, students and community and to facilitate vaccination of staff, students and community.
In order to provide assistance to students, staff, administration and community during the Covid-19 pandemic following measures were undertaken by the institution: The College was designated as Covid -19 quarantine facility centre, College staff (teaching and non-teaching) sacrificed their ‘one day salary’, and it was credited to the ‘Prime Minister’s Covid Relief Fund’, College Staff numbering seven members were deputed on Covid related duties, the teaching faculty members who were deputed on covid related duties in Covid Control Room Srinagar participated in generating digital information and awareness regarding covid management; These staff members were also instrumental in organizing a book review competition for students of all age groups in the valley, NSS volunteers took a responsibility in sensitizing the general public regarding the precautionary measures to be taken to contain the Covid-19, Social distancing, hand washing at regular interval, staying at home during lockdown period, wearing face mask and other precautionary measures are always encouraged among the people, Information regarding these precautions is disseminated through placard and posters, The college in collaboration with Department of Health Services Kashmir organized multiple vaccination drives for students, staff and community, NSS unit and Psychological Counseling Cell played a vital role in motivating students and community for vaccination.
Extension Activities:
Extension activities have always been an integral part of the institution to create a holistic learning environment conducive for developing socially responsible citizens with a strong sense of social and civic duties. Through the activities carried out in and around the neighborhood communities and villages, students are sensitized towards important social issues like cleanliness, climate change, economic disparities, drug abuse etc. Engaging students in community-based activities and service-learning projects- Projects and internships help students to see their important role in the larger world. They are given the chance to learn how valuable and fulfilling it can be to give back to others. . Students also learn the importance of teamwork, co- operation, social harmony and community participation among many other things thereby ensuring their favorable development into good and responsible citizens. Students actively involve themselves in numerous environment-related activities with the objective of sensitizing the students with the prevailing environmental issues and their respective remedies thereby instilling in them a sense of responsibility and protective attitude towards nature in general and to their environment in particular. Swatch Baharat Mission, Swacchta Pakwada and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav programmes have been such cases wherein many students of the college had a first-hand experience in community-based activities. Some of the clubs and organizations instated in the college are: NSS and NCC, ECO Club, Red Ribbon Club, Skill Development Cell: and Fitness Club.
Maintenance of Water Bodies:
The main objective of this practice is to maintain and conserve the water resources which include lakes, rivers, springs, etc. It is pertinent to mention here that springs near Chinars have a special significance in cultural history of Kashmir. Our college possesses one such spring inside the campus. In this connection, an initiative was taken by the college for the revival of the dead spring of the college by organizing cleanliness drives for cleaning and removing the debris in and around the spring. Also, cleanliness drives outside the college campus are organized by the NSS unit of the college.
Marching towards Paperless Governance:
Our institution is taking steps towards achieving paperless governance. In this connection, staff attendance register is being replaced by biometric attendance. Whatsapp groups, emails, etc. are used to circulate important messages, notices, etc. amongst the staff and students. Digital teaching is also one such step towards the same. Making use of Google forms for generating various data from students and faculty also forms a part of this initiative. Moreover, Our College has been releasing e-prospectus since last 2 years.
Help Fund:
The motive of this practice is to provide financial support to the needy students belonging to the weaker sections of the society, or with poor economic background/ poor educational background. For such marginalized students, the staff has created its own ‘Help Fund’ in order to help them continue their studies. At the same time, it is ensured that the self-esteem and respect of the beneficiary is not hurt.
Institutional Distinctiveness
Since its inception in 2008, Srinagar Women’s College Srinagar, Batpora, Zakura has been working vigorously towards realizing its vision of making it a centre of excellence for women. The institution upholds the purpose of its establishment and derives vigor, motivation and inspiration from its vision and mission. The institution has built up an atmosphere of teaching-learning in a student friendly environment blending conventional methods of teaching with modern ICT based tools making them student centric. Our prime aim is to create an egalitarian society devoid of bias and discrimination. To shape and empower students, we ensure that ample guidance is provided to students in order to help them accomplish excellence in various fields not only with regard to their studies and other academic pursuits but also in various walks of life in general, thus preparing them to be well-equipped to face all sorts of daily and global challenges. The institution is sensitive to the fact that the societies which failed to adapt themselves to emerging technologies lagged behind in their march to progress. Technology essentially brings about a smart way of living and thus, raising the overall standard of people’s lives. However, in the course of making a transition from traditional to tech-savvy lifestyle, communities are giving up their golden crafts. Therefore, the prime endeavour of the institution has been to blend and synthesize the tradition and technology.
The college is located in sub-urban outskirts of Srinagar and most of the students are first generation learners belonging to labour class or agricultural families. Women of such families have traditionally been economically supporting the families by keeping themselves engaged with traditional handicrafts of Kashmir like embroidery, needle work (sozni) and knitting. Knitting was one of the specialties of Kashmiri culture and women never missed to utilize this craft particularly during winters. It was a cherishing and stress busting activity. Undoubtedly, the advancement in technology has replaced many activities and knitting being one among them. Knitting has been a cultural heritage of Kashmir and was considered as a symbol of love. But, the fall of knitting culture has led the loss of warmth in relations these days. Knitting and other craft activities have confirmed the health benefits, both physical and mental supported by different studies. It reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression, delay the onset of dementia and help distract from chronic pain. Taking into account all this, the college has made a contribution by way of initiating a Craft Club ‘Gosha i Hunar’ in the college. To revive the tradition of knitting and to inculcate the art of knitting among the young generation a course in Machine Knitting has been started in the college since 2021. Kashmir being a cold place has tremendous market for woollen clothes and production and marketing of machine knit woollens can definitely help the students to earn while they learn in the college. The course is thus expected to bridge the gap between education and employment. The college also aims at broadening the opportunities by way of offering more such modernized heritage craft courses.