Sunil Kumar AM

Sunil Kumar AM is an Assistant Teacher at the Government Higher Primary School, Aletti, Dakshina Kannada district. He comes from the pool of trained facilitators who underwent the Kali Kalisu training conducted in Sullia this year. His role as resource person at the British Council, Mangalore has opened new ways to engage students in the field of language arts. This project enables him to connect 28 students from fifth grade of the Government Higher Primary School, Aletti of the district in a process learning English through exploring local history.

The freedom struggle of Amara Sullia was initiated by former leaders of Sullia which was a part of Kodagu during 1834. When the British colonised Kodagu and levied European system of taxation, kings of Haleri (Kodagu) rebelled against them under Chikka Veerappa and Kalyanaswamy and declared independence for 13 days. Even though it was a short period of time, this act has had a strong impact on the community and their memory, and has been reflected through many art forms of the region. A deeper study will provide useful insights into the socio-economic milieu, the nature of colonial rule and its impact on the people of the region. 

Sunil’s project Sthaliya Itihasadondige Aangla Bhaashaa Kalike (learning English through local history) with reference to this freedom struggle introduces a participatory and insightful process of learning through local history. It builds both appreciation and abilities for reading, writing and speaking in English among students. It has multiple dimensions, which include analysing local history, introducing it in English, creating exemplary learning pedagogies, and finally creating a public performance. The project is also designed to see the interconnections between the local and the national. It is an opportunity for students and peer teachers to act as a community of practitioners and co-construct knowledge, while also developing new understandings about their own learning 

A public performance, an exhibition and a publication of creative writings of students will be the outcomes of the project. The deliverables from this project to IFA will be a copy of the publication, and photographs and video documentation of the project. 

This grant is made possible with support from Citi India.