Another area of our work involves the design and production of colourful context-based learning charts, handbooks for teachers, and books for children on a range of topics, including Marathi, English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Health, and Natural Resources. Digital technology is also used wherever possible to enhance learning. Relevant digital materials are screened on laptops and children are encouraged to get hands-on experience of computers. We have also developed a computer-based module for middle school learners, using specially designed software for English language learning.

Daily rounds are made by supervisors to the 27 centres in as many villages. These visits are more than just for monitoring and supplying subsidized stationery. We would like to believe that our presence and our involvement makes a difference to the teachers and the learners. It definitely enriches us: it is indeed heartening to see the children derive great joy from the simplest of endeavours, whether it is acting out a new song or reading an English word correctly.

Involvement in education in remote rural areas requires a robust mental and physical constitution. We have to be ready and prepared for all sorts of uncertainties. Extreme weather and seasonal migration are just two of the factors that hamper attendance of children. Illness strikes. Festivals and visits to other villages spirit away learners. The crop seasons when children can earn pocket money for their little needs precede the call of the classroom.

And yet, the classroom remains a valuable space in which teachers drawn from the village community play a vital role. Wherever possible, women teachers are selected. They undergo regular training, especially in the use of interactive teaching-learning methods and materials. Training also focuses on equipping the teachers to be effective even when they are unable to use these materials, for in remote rural areas electricity fluctuates at whim, and phone and internet connectivity cannot be relied upon.

JSM also designs and conducts training programmes for village teachers in other parts of Maharashtra. In addition, the specially designed, context-relevant teaching-learning materials are disseminated widely among other NGOs engaged in similar efforts.

The JSM campus houses a boarding facility for Adivasi students attending middle school, and a hostel for those attending college and technical courses.