Pune Zilla Parishad Schools to Introduce Foreign Language Education
Meta Description: Pune’s Zilla Parishad schools are set to offer foreign language education – German and French – to students in grades VI-VIII, bridging the rural-urban education gap.
Students in Zilla Parishad (ZP) schools across Pune district are poised to gain access to foreign language education as an additional extracurricular subject, marking a significant step towards broadening educational opportunities in rural areas. A recent agreement between the Pune ZP administration and Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) will facilitate the implementation of this ambitious initiative.
The program will roll out in phases, beginning with the training of 100 teachers from select schools. Starting August 15th of this year, these educators will participate in a comprehensive 120-hour course focusing on German and French languages, led by expert faculty from SPPU. Currently, foreign language instruction is largely confined to urban schools; this program aims to extend these benefits to students in rural communities, specifically those in standards VI, VII, and VIII.
The initiative was launched under the guidance of the ZP’s education department, responding to a growing need for globally relevant skills. “The aim is to equip students with foreign language skills that will benefit them in future careers, especially in industrial sectors and research institutions, where such knowledge is valuable,” stated Sanjay Naikde, primary education officer of Pune ZP.
The teacher training will adopt a blended learning approach, combining online interactions with periodic in-person sessions. Importantly, the training will be provided free of cost to teachers, with the ZP covering all associated expenses. Following their training, these educators will be responsible for delivering foreign language instruction to students in their respective schools, utilizing a specially prepared digital module.
A budget of Rs6 lakh has been allocated for the initial phase of the training, and officials indicate that the program’s expansion will be considered based on its success. Schools demonstrating strong student interest will be prioritized during the selection process, and according to Naikde, the initial response has been encouraging. This initiative represents a commitment to providing equitable access to quality education and preparing students for a competitive global landscape.
