Page:SELECTED ESSAYS of Dr. S. S. KALBAG.pdf/134

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Now we shall consider the question of how the staff in the school can be trained and fed new skills or technologies. After a basic course in rural technologies, the multiskilled instructors are quick in learning -even self-learning of new skills in very short training periods or from audio-video and printed material. They need some time to practice these skills to reinforce what they have learnt and they are ready to give their service to others. We have shown this when our staff learnt many skills like vulcanising of tubes, twowheeler repairs, diesel repairs, motorised prayer repair, motor rewinding, poultry, artificial insemination of goats, etc. without outside teachers. This is a tremendous advantage. Apart from reducing the cost substantially, growth is also possible. This in fact will be the take-off stage for the individual, because he grows by himself thereafter. www The multiskilled instructor at the secondary and higher secondary level can be initially trained through the Community Polytechnics scheme, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Health Extension Services. Each instructor can handle 20 students in the practical lessons and can handle six batches per week, each for six hours. That is, he can give instruction for 120 student-days per week. The equipment costs per school at different levels are given later in this note. A system like this, integrating education, development and community service and acting as a technology delivery system has the following advantages and potential pitfalls. Advantages: 1. The system can reach every village at minimum cost. 2. It can handle villagers with different levels of skills/ development. 3. The system not only delivers the technology, but also follows it up. This will be a great advantage. 4. The technology carrier is a local resident and is therefore always available for consultation. This inspires confidence. Rural Development Through Education System 121