Onsite Leadership Review: Elevating Education in Brickfield School at Akra
Onsite Leadership Review: Elevating Education in Brickfield School at Akra
25 Feb 2025 -
25 Feb 2025
10.30am
Akra, South 24 Parganas District
On 24th February 2025, the Director of Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre (KMWSC), accompanied by a Field Supervisor, conducted a monitoring visit to the Brickfield Schools (BFS) at Akra. The visit aimed to assess the progress of the schools, interact with students and teachers, and ensure the effective implementation of educational programs for migrant children.
The visit commenced with a meeting with all the teachers at Metro Brickfield School, where discussions focused on teaching methodologies, challenges in delivering lessons, student engagement, and classroom management strategies. Teachers also shared their experiences in handling multi-grade classrooms and their efforts in bridging the learning gaps among migrant children.
Following the meeting, the Director visited four BFS centres – Metro, Kumar, Mraj, and Natraj. During the field visit, a thorough review of lesson plans, student attendance registers, and teachers' records was conducted to ensure proper documentation and structured learning processes. The Director closely examined the teaching materials and interacted with the children to understand their learning progress.
One of the highlights of the visit was the interactive session with the children, where they enthusiastically shared their aspirations, daily learning experiences, and the challenges they face as migrant students. The Director encouraged them to stay motivated and continue their education despite their transient lifestyle. Teachers were also provided with guidance on strengthening their lesson delivery and ensuring age-appropriate learning for all students.
The visit served as an important opportunity to evaluate the overall impact of the Brickfield Schools initiative and identify areas for further improvement. The Director acknowledged the dedication of the teachers and field staff in ensuring that education reaches the most marginalised children.
KMWSC remains committed to enhancing the learning environment in Brickfield Schools, strengthening teacher capacity, and ensuring that migrant children receive continuous education and holistic development opportunities.
Voices from the Ground:
“Teaching here isn’t just a job—it’s a responsibility to uplift children who’ve seen more hardship than most adults. The Director’s visit reminded us we’re not alone in this mission.”
— Teacher at Metro BFS
“When Madam asked me what I want to be, I said, ‘A teacher, just like you!’ She smiled and told me to study hard. I’ll never forget that.”
— Student at Natraj BFS
Impact & Reflections:
The visit highlighted both progress and persistent challenges in brickfield education:
Successes: Improved attendance rates, community trust in BFS, and innovative low-resource teaching practices.
Areas for Growth: Strengthening parental engagement, addressing seasonal dropout trends, and expanding health initiatives.
The Director emphasised that sustained collaboration between KMWSC, brickfield owners, and local authorities is critical to scaling impact.