New Delhi: The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) has signed an MoU with Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission (RKM) to implement a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening intergenerational bonds among children, parents and grandparents through schools.
The initiative, titled ‘Creating Intergenerational Bonding’, will initially be rolled out across 200 pilot schools and will seek to create structured opportunities for the three generations to connect, share experiences and strengthen family relationships.
Research to Map Intergenerational Challenges
Under the MoU, the partners will conduct qualitative research into the challenges faced by modern families in maintaining intergenerational relationships.
The research will cover 50 representative schools across four regions of the country and will inform the design of the initiative and its future expansion.
20 Co-Learning Games to Connect Three Generations
A key component of the programme will be the development and pilot-testing of 20 evidence-based Co-Learning Games for use in schools.
The games are intended to provide an interactive way for children, parents and grandparents to participate in shared learning and activities while encouraging the exchange of knowledge, experiences and values across generations.
Key Components of the Initiative
- 200 pilot schools to implement Co-Learning Game sessions nationwide.
- 50 schools across four regions to participate in qualitative research.
- 20 evidence-based Co-Learning Games to be designed and pilot-tested.
- A bilingual English-Hindi Resource Centre website to support teachers.
- Certification training for teachers to conduct programme sessions.
- An independent assessment study to evaluate the initiative’s outcomes.
- Findings from the assessment will help determine its future scale-up across the country.
Focus on Family Engagement Through Schools
The programme is designed to use schools as a platform for strengthening family engagement. It seeks to enable older people to pass on knowledge and values, help parents bridge traditional and contemporary perspectives, and encourage children to remain connected with their cultural roots while developing a sense of emotional security.
The initiative builds on the Ministry’s existing senior citizen welfare ecosystem, including the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY).
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar said families form the foundation of society and that the partnership with Ramakrishna Mission would help children, parents and grandparents rediscover the value of togetherness.
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B.L. Verma said the collaboration would help create a replicable model for bringing the three generations closer through schools.
Ramakrishna Mission to Implement Programme
Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission will serve as the implementing partner for the initiative, while a Knowledge Development Partner will support the research, design and assessment components.
The MoU was signed at Ramakrishna Mission in New Delhi in the presence of senior officials from the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and the organisation.
The initiative seeks to develop a school-based model of intergenerational engagement that can subsequently be evaluated and expanded across the country.
