What is the Meaning and objectives of socially useful productive work?

Answer 1

Education at all stages has been regarded as a powerful instrument for social transformation. The major task of education in India today is to usher in a democratic, socialistic secular society which removes prejudices among people. The objectives of introducing "Socially Useful Productive Work/Work Experience (SUPW/WE) " in the schools is to help in the realisation of these goals. Therefore, not only does it form an integral part of the school curriculum, but has its ramifications into other subjects of the school curriculum.

The Programme of Action of the National Policy on Education of 1986 states that the basic emphasis in interlinking education and culture should be on helping a child to discover his latent talent and to express it creatively. This can be achieved through a participative process, using their immediate environment giving special emphasis to curriculum reorientation and motivating teachers to interact with the students at different levels.

Handicrafts in this country are an important part of our rich cultural heritage, which serve to satisfy the aesthetic needs of man and provide a vehicle for his urge for self expression. The real significance of handicrafts lie in the newness and surprise of each object.

Today we are losing not only an ancient heritage but an essential element in our social composition which has been a strong cementing force. SUPW/WE in schools gives an opportunity to revive and keep alive the rich heritage and cultural traditions of our country and encourages creativity among students. During the Workshop on SUPW/WE, the teachers get intensive training in 3 to 4 crafts. The crafts which are generally taught are Pottery, Clay Modelling, Paper Mache, Mask Making, Tie & Dye, Rangoli, Wall decoration, Cane work, Bamboo work, Book binding, Paper toys, etc. Classes for Learning of Songs in National languages are also conducted to inculcate a spirit of communal harmony and a sense of respect for all the languages. Lecture- demonstrations and slide-shows are arranged on a variety of topics related to Indian Handicrafts and Culture. Sessions on use of CCRT's educational material for creative activities in curriculum teaching are also organised.

Objectives of the Workshop1. to revive an interest in Indian crafts and study their relevance in contemporary life;

2. to help teachers to value and recognise the importance of local craft resources;

3. to guide teachers to formulate a syllabus for teaching Crafts/SUPW/WE in

schools with the new awareness created during the Workshop ;

4. to learn about the life styles of craftsmen and recognise their role in society;

5. to instil in teachers, the importance of value and moral education and to suggest projects that can be taken up while working for the development of the community;

6 . to inculcate values of social service and dignity of labour;

8 . to develop an aesthetic sensibility relevant to Indian Culture;

Answer 2

Socially Useful Productive Work emphasises on identification and connecting with the society. It also aims at application of classroom learning in real life practice. If planned and executed poperly, it brings out positive attitude, team spirit, empathy in pupil.