A significant step towards enhancing functional English proficiency and promoting 21st-century skills among students in government schools was marked on Friday with the inauguration of Thane’s first ‘English Room’ by the Pehlay Akshar Foundation. The event took place at Thane Municipal Corporation School No. 38, with TMC Education Officer Mr. Kamlakant Mhetre and Block Officer Mr. Rajendra Pardeshi in attendance.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mr Mhetre said, “In today’s society, there is an immense pressure to send children to English-medium schools—whether due to community expectations or seeing neighbors do the same. That’s why it’s so important to strengthen English language skills alongside regional languages in government schools, ensuring every child has access to quality education.” The ‘English Room’ is an innovative, interactive learning space equipped with a smart TV and digital resources, designed to make English learning both engaging and effective.
This dynamic space encourages innovative teaching methods, activity-based learning, and features a carefully curated collection of educational resources to provide students with a comprehensive and enjoyable learning experience. The in-house developed curriculum integrates diverse methodologies and tools aimed at fostering critical thinking and creativity. Using interactive elements such as games, songs, flashcards, and theme-based discussions, the curriculum ensures that learning is not only effective but also fun.
“Every child deserves to dream big,” said Radha Goenka, Founder of Pehlay Akshar Foundation and Director of RPG Foundation. “With the English Room, we are creating a learning environment where students’ dreams and voices can be nurtured in a language that opens doors to the world, breaking down barriers to education and growth.”
The ‘Magic Classroom’ concept is intended to create a safe, inclusive, and motivating environment where both students and teachers feel appreciated and inspired. This initiative is part of the Pehlay Akshar Foundation’s broader commitment to enhancing literacy and educational outcomes in government schools across rural, semi-urban, and urban areas.