Setting a target to reach 50,000 students through the Schools Engagement Program in the state of Andhra Pradesh in December 2023, University of Melbourne has announced not only meeting it but engaging 60,000 students engaged in Andhra Pradesh alone, with more than 70,000 students from over 150 schools across India reached through the program since 2020.
The Schools Engagement Program supports underrepresented secondary school students in India through career guidance and future planning, helping them understand labour markets and develop their social mobility, empowering them to thrive in their studies and life. Initially launched in seven schools in Pune and Madurai, the program expanded to over 100 Government schools in five districts in Andhra Pradesh in 2023.
The expansion throughout Andhra Pradesh was made possible by support from the Government of Andhra Pradesh – Department of School Education, Rotary International Districts in Zone 7, Rotary India Literacy Mission, and Samaghra Shiksha, Andhra Pradesh.
Across all pilot programs in Pune, Madurai, Vijayawada, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the Schools Engagement Program has also supported over 1700 teachers and over 100,000 parents, carers and guardians through capacity building activities.
Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement), University of Melbourne said, “This program reflects the University of Melbourne’s commitment to long-term engagement within India, supporting the country on its ambitious education journey. India is home to the largest tertiary population in the world. Empowering the tens of thousands of young students through this program is just one of the ways we endeavour to enrich academic capabilities in India, and we would like to reach as many students as possible”.
Dinesh Kumar, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, Alluri Sitharama Raju District from the Government of Andhra Pradesh emphasised the importance of engaging with young students, who are the future leaders of society.
Professor Lindsay Oades, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne, discussed how his positive psychology research has influenced the program. Professor Oades said, “We’ve embedded coaching into the classroom as part of this initiative and this is a new pedagogy in India. Now teachers aren’t just clarifying concepts; they serve as a life coach. This strength-based approach inspires young people to become the best version of themselves, encouraging them to take responsibility for managing their studies, life, and career goals.”
Teachers from participating schools have noted the change they see in students and the impact it is having.
One of the teachers said, “This program has enabled our children to select their career choices independently as well as become more self-reliant and responsible.”
Students are also commenting on how the program is improving their outlook on their studies and career choices.“I had really no clear vision on what my future was going to look like or what my career was about,” said one student. But after going through this program I was able to find what I truly desire, my passions, and how to make money off those passions.”
B.Srinivasa Rao, State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha AP, said, “In today’s world the problems we are dealing with are complex, requiring many specialised areas of expertise. This calls for an innovative model involving government, academia, and industry to work together in a symbiotic manner, across secondary and tertiary sectors of education. The government of India and the government of Andhra Pradesh are implementing many coherent reforms as part of the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework 2023 to enhance youth aspirations and closing the gap between industry skill demand and talent supply. So, this program is a priority and must be replicated.”
