Best Practice-1: Earn While learn Scheme

Program Title: Earn While You Learn Scheme

Objective: The program’s primary goal is to support students from underprivileged backgrounds, including female students, by offering them an income source that doesn’t interfere with their studies. The initiative aims to enhance employability on campus while leveraging the talents of the students. Additionally, the program seeks to teach students the value of hard work and the importance of earning money through their own efforts. Given the societal trend where girls often face barriers to education, this initiative also aims to empower female students to achieve their aspirations.

Context: The institute is situated in a region where many students come from nearby villages and rural areas. These students often have parents who are farmers or diamond workers, and they face financial difficulties despite their strong desire to study. It was observed that many students, after completing one year of studies, chose to enroll in external courses due to financial constraints. Additionally, several girls discontinued their education because they couldn’t afford the fees. To support these students in pursuing their dreams, the college implemented this practice.

Implementation: This practice was initiated in 2006-07 and has been successful ever since. To implement it, a notice was circulated inviting students interested in working before or after college hours, provided they had basic computer skills. Initially, only a few students participated, but over time, the program gained popularity as these students earned respect from both teachers and peers. This opportunity allows students to balance their studies while earning money to support their families. Commerce students work in the afternoon, while Arts students work in the morning. In addition to earning, students also learn management, organization, and delegation skills. Typically, students work as data entry operators, but those who excel are given more significant tasks. After gaining experience, students assist teachers in organizing various competitions and activities. If a student lacks proficiency in Excel or other computer skills, they receive training from their peers. This scheme has become a valuable tool for honing the students’ skills. At this institute, education for all is not just an ideal but a reality. No student is denied admission due to an inability to pay fees.

Evidence of Success: The college’s computer lab now functions as a hub for data entry, data analysis, online admissions, and results processing, with students assisting the office staff in various administrative tasks. The partial automation of the institute’s processes is largely due to these student workers, who bring enthusiasm and computer expertise. Although the college has a large student body and a small administrative staff, this scheme has created a skilled group of student administrators who efficiently manage admissions, result-sharing, mark sheet distribution, and certificate preparation. The true reward for students, beyond monetary compensation, is the satisfaction of contributing meaningfully to the institute. The program boosts their confidence, teamwork, and time management skills. Notably, many students who have participated in this scheme have excelled academically, earning first-class honors. Their hard work teaches them the value of perseverance.

Best Practice:2

Title:
‘Commitment towards Social Responsibility’

Motto:
Empowering through Assistance

Core value:

At Amroli College, our commitment to social responsibility is a fundamental institutional value that guides our actions and initiatives. We believe in the power of education and community engagement as transformative forces for societal betterment. Our mission is to cultivate a sense of social responsibility in our students by immersing them in real-world experiences that foster empathy, awareness, and action towards the common good. The core focus of the college is to advance community service, education, culture, and environmental stewardship.

Initiatives:

1. Social Initiatives:

The college conducts fund raising activities, donation drives, and medical camps to aid the disadvantaged population in the vicinity of Amroli. Awareness programs on social issues, blood donation camps, and charity efforts are among the endeavors undertaken to support those in need. Lions Club initiatives for community service are also hosted on the college campus. College offers its facilities for election-related meetings also.

2. Educational Initiatives:

Recognizing the educational needs of the local population, particularly those from lower-middle-class backgrounds, the college launched the Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar program, enabling individuals to pursue external graduation programs through distance learning. The institution organizes inter-school competitions, including Sanskrit shlok recitations and drawing contests, fostering traditional values, heritage, and artistic talent. Moreover, seminars on career guidance benefitting 10th and 12th-grade students are conducted annually. The college provides free access to its high-tech multimedia hall and auditorium for school teachers & students to organize seminars, workshops, and academic meetings. The college serves as a venue for various government and non-government competitive exams.

3. Cultural Initiatives:

The college promotes cultural awareness through street plays and other activities during festivals.

4. Environmental Initiatives:

Acknowledging our responsibility towards Mother Earth, the college conducts plantation drives, participates in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and campaigns against plastic bag usage.

5.Success Indicators:

The college’s social outreach efforts have garnered media attention and attracted interest from numerous NGOs seeking volunteers. Students have gained confidence and embarked on self-discovery through these initiatives, including the Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar program, which supports marginalized communities.

The college has been recognized for its outstanding contributions to social services and has received several prestigious awards:

• College wins Rotary Round Town Trophy for Collecting the highest number of blood begs Twentieth Times in a Raw from Surat Raktdan Kendra & Research Centre.
• Honoured as the Best NSS College in 2023-24.
• Received the Best Learning Support award from Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Open University in 2022-23.
• Secured a grant of 4,94,000 rupees from Gujarat State Sangeet Natak Academy for promoting Adivasi culture in Gujarat and won 1st prize, along with Best Visual Composition, in a one-act play competition in 2020-21.

Conclusion: Amroli College’s commitment to social responsibility is central to its identity, inspiring students to become proactive, compassionate citizens who positively impact society.