Empowering educators: CHINAR’s capacity building evolution

CHINAR International began focusing on capacity building (CB) when it became clear that achieving long-term educational impact required more than just operational efficiency. It demands a strong foundation of skills and knowledge within the organization.

Initially, CHINAR was focused on delivering programs. However, as the education space for the organization matured, the need for structured training and internal capacitybuilding became apparent.

This shift was driven by the recognition that, to truly uplift vulnerable children, CHINAR needed a team that was not only committed but also well-equipped with the right tools and strategies for delivering quality education.

The first steps in this journey involved identifying the existing strengths and gaps within the team. Leadership played a crucial role in fostering a culture of self-reflection and continuous learning. This helped in creating an environment where capacity building became a shared goal.

There has been a deliberate focus on both individual and organizational CB. We have tried to empower staff through external trainings and learning opportunities. We have been simultaneously strengthening internal systems and processes to support growth.

This synergy between personal development and organizational enhancement became the foundation of CHINAR’s capacity-building strategy. The organization’s leadership has tried to ensure that individual training efforts align with the organization’s larger goals. This is helping us create a cohesive strategy where personal development translates into stronger program delivery and overall organizational effectiveness.

CHINAR’s partnership with Wipro Foundation arrived at a critical juncture. It has helped us shape our capacity-building priorities. Wipro’s strategic support has been instrumental in aligning CHINAR’s CB efforts with its broader educational mission.

The partnership began in 2022. It has focused on enhancing CHINAR’s institutional capacity and on improving its program delivery. Initially, the emphasis was on understanding CHINAR’s existing efforts and on developing a core educational mindset.

CHINAR

CHINAR International is a non-profit organization, established in 2011. It envisions peace, progress, and prosperity in conflict-affected areas. It focuses on empowering vulnerable children, marginalized youth, and distressed communities.

CHINAR’s Quality Education initiatives operate in 12 districts in Jammu and Kashmir. These include Community Learning Centres (CLCs) where children build foundational literacy, socio-emotional skills, and digital literacy in supportive spaces, with Reading Corners fostering a love for books. Alongside CLCs, the School Transformation Program and Teach with CHINAR Fellowship aim to improve educational standards and inclusivity. Through its child development initiatives, the CSO collaborates with families to create conducive home environments for children’s education.

Within its Youth Development Framework, CHINAR equips youth with essential skills and business incubation support. It thus empowers them to build sustainable livelihoods. CHINAR collaborates with communities to create lasting change and resilience for those in need. Its core belief is that education has the power to break cycles of poverty and conflict. By prioritizing holistic development, the organization aims to build resilient communities where every child can learn, grow and thrive.

Participation in “Embark”

Participation in “Embark” – Wipro Foundation’s CB initiative – has been pivotal in supporting CHINAR International’s capacity-building journey. The reflections and discussions facilitated through this process have broadened our perspectives. These have also encouraged more strategic thinking across the organization.

By engaging in thoughtful, collaborative conversations, we have managed to critically analyse our existing practices. We have also been able to identify areas for improvement. This environment of reflection and critical thinking has helped CHINAR explore various approaches to both capacity building and program delivery.

As we delved deeper into these discussions, we became more open to adopting ideas that could enhance our educational initiatives. This shift in mindset has empowered us to make more informed decisions. It has also ensured that these decisions are aligned with our long-term goals and organizational capacity needs.

Empowering CHINAR’S core team

One of the first major steps in this journey was sending Ambreen Arif and Sawleha Qadir, core members of the Quality Education team, to Vikramshila’s ‘Foundational Learning Workshop’. This marked CHINAR’s first outof-state training.

This experience significantly enhanced the participants’ understanding of foundational literacy and numeracy. It also equipped the organization to address learning gaps caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Upon their return, Ambreen and Sawleha conducted internal training for over 80 facilitators. They tailored the workshop’s lessons to fit local contexts and the NIPUN Bharat Mission. They guided facilitators on designing lesson plans and assessment tools, improving student outcomes.

Sawleha Qadir’s participation in the ‘English Accelerated Course’ by Sikhamaitra further contributed to CHINAR’s capacity-building efforts. After implementing the program as a pilot in two Community Learning Centers (CLCs), Sawleha witnessed significant improvements in the children’s English skills. Inspired by the success, she, along with community facilitator Asiya Ali, trained 30 more facilitators. This has impacted over 1,500 children.

Javaid Malik, a core team member of CHINAR, attended the workshop facilitated by Bookworm. This paved the way for CHINAR’s Reading Corner Program. CHINAR has used the learning from the workshop to establish reading corners in eight CLCs and thirteen schools. This has enhanced literacy through a curated collection of books. The handson approach of the workshop helped Javid see libraries as dynamic spaces that foster collaborations and creativity, furthering CHINAR’s educational goals.

In addition, participation in capacity building programs like Khelghar’s workshop on ‘Strengthening Community Learning Centers’ and Atma’s ‘Logic Model Workshop’ helped CHINAR refine its methods for effectively serving vulnerable children.

We hope that participation in upcoming workshops, such as the one on designing worksheets, will further empower facilitators with creative tools. This will help CHINAR to continue to innovate in providing high-quality, engaging education to children.

Voices of participants from Chinar’s capacity building journey

“The foundational learning workshop offered a unique blend of theoretical foundations and practical applications. This allowed me to connect abstract concepts to real-world scenarios. The facilitators’ expertise, coupled with the diverse experiences of the fellow participants, created a rich learning environment that exceeded my expectations.” – Ambreen Arif, Project Coordinator

“Attending the Accelerated English Course was a turning point in my journey. It equipped me with fun, innovative strategies to teach language skills using storytelling, songs, and interactive activities. Seeing the joy of learning in my students’ faces was incredibly rewarding. After the workshop, I was eager to train other facilitators. Together, we are creating a ripple effect that is enriching the learning experience for even more children. Watching their growth in both language skills and confidence has been the most fulfilling part of this journey.” – Sawleha Qadir, Project Coordinator

“Watching my students grow from letters to sentences and seeing their confidence soar is the greatest joy. The English Accelerated Course transformed both my teaching and my students’ learning experience. Using storytelling, songs, and creative writing ignited a passion for learning in them. This journey has improved my teaching practices. It has also deepened my connection with the children as we explore the joy of language together.” – Asiya Ali, Community-level Facilitator

“Attending the workshop facilitated by Bookworm has been transformative. As a novice, my understanding of libraries was limited. However, the training broadened my vision and reshaped my perspective. It showed how libraries have grown from quiet spaces to dynamic environments, where we engage in extensive activities, fostering collaborations and creativity. This newfound insight has empowered me to share the learning with other members in my organization. This is now promoting a culture of continuous growth and resourcefulness. The workshop has truly been a catalyst for both personal and professional development.” – Javaid Malik

Challenges and learnings in the CB Journey

Throughout our capacity-building journey, we have faced several challenges, particularly in aligning our initiatives with the diverse needs of the communities we serve. One of the significant hurdles has involved adapting our training programs to accommodate the varying skill levels of our facilitators, especially in remote areas.

Working alongside Wipro Foundation has been instrumental in overcoming these obstacles. Their support has helped us adopt a more structured approach to capacity building, emphasizing the importance of ongoing assessment and feedback.

We have learned that effective capacity building is not just about gaining and imparting knowledge. It is also about fostering an environment where facilitators feel empowered to share their experiences and best practices. This journey has taught us the value of collaboration. We have also become aware of the need for a flexible approach that can adapt to the evolving educational landscape.

Ultimately, our challenges have strengthened our commitment to continuous improvement.

These have also reinforced the significance of a child-centered approach in shaping effective educational programs.

Conclusion

The Quality Education team at CHINAR, led by Gulzar Wani, consists of five core members and 90 dedicated facilitators. It tries to enhance educational opportunities through a few key initiatives. These include the Community Learning Centers (CLCs), the Teach with CHINAR Fellowship, school transformation projects, and the Reading Corner Programs.

This diverse team has been trying to develop its capacities in partnership with Wipro Foundation. This process has served as a catalyst for transformation within the organization. Insights gained from the workshops and training sessions have empowered the Quality Education team to adopt innovative teaching methodologies and effective strategies. These resonate with its mission to improve educational outcomes for vulnerable children.

This renewed commitment to capacity building has provided critical resources. It is also fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning within the team. This emphasis on professional development is transforming the Quality Education team into a strong and cohesive unit. This process has also been reinforcing the team’s dedication to nurture its own potential and shape brighter futures for children in need.

The CSO feels that it is now better equipped to address the challenges faced by the communities it serves. Ultimately, CHINAR’s CB journey aims to enhance its abilities to make a meaningful impact on the educational landscape.