Overview of GSA Programs and how schools can make use of the resources
To detail GSA’s programs and how schools can maximise their benefits.
Key Takeaways
New Program Structure (eff. July 1): GSA’s weekly schedule is now streamlined to two core programs: “My Good School” for students (Sundays, 10:30 AM) and “Teachers Academy” for professional development (Saturdays, 3:30 PM).
Emerging Literacies Focus: The new “Literacy Project” (Saturdays, 5:30 PM) will use Yuval Noah Harari’s 21 Lessons for the 21st Century to explore critical topics like financial, food, and health literacy, preparing students for a rapidly changing world.
Teacher-Led Engagement is Crucial: The success of student internships and the program as a whole depends on active teacher participation. Teachers must attend sessions with students to provide the necessary scaffolding and support.
Fellowships Offer Practical Leadership: Fellowships provide teachers with hands-on experience in master training, data analysis, and event organisation, equipping them with practical skills beyond typical classroom duties.
Topics
The Challenge: Preparing Students for a Rapidly Changing World
GSA’s programs address the accelerating pace of job obsolescence (example of large lay-offs)
The goal is to build human capital by developing “Emerging Literacies,” which include:
Financial Literacy: Essential for navigating a complex, consumer-driven world.
Food Literacy: Understanding nutrition for optimal health and performance.
Health & Wellbeing Literacy: Addressing specific health challenges for adolescents.
Digital Literacy: Proficiency in AI and other evolving technologies.
The Solution: GSA’s Program Structure
The new weekly structure (eff. July 1, 2026) is designed for clarity and impact.
1. My Good School (Student Program)
When: Sundays, 10:30 AM (500-seat capacity).
What: Parallel reading sessions (long-form English, short-form English, Hindi).
Current Books: Whatever You’re Looking For Is There In The Library, My Family and Other Animals, Time Stops at Shamli.
Why: Develops an emotional connection with reading through choice and community.
2. Teachers Academy (Professional Learning)
When: Saturdays, 3:30 PM (starts July 4).
What: Collaborative book study on classroom culture.
Current Book: Wanted Backbencher Last Ranker Teacher.
Why: Provides practical strategies for real-world classroom dilemmas.
3. Literacy Project (Masterclass)
When: Saturdays, 5:30 PM (starts July 4).
What: Reading 21 Lessons for the 21st Century followed by a deep dive into one Emerging Literacy topic.
Why: Connects big-picture thinking to practical application in the classroom.
4. GSA Squad Meeting
When: Mondays, 5:30 PM (30 min).
Why: Weekly update and Q&A forum for all partners.
Deeper Engagement: Internships & Fellowships
Internships (for students <18)
Pathway: Attend “My Good School” → Join Monday meetings for tasks.
Success Factor: Requires teacher supervision. The Sunbeam Baliyah model, where teachers attend with students, is the benchmark for effective engagement.
Fellowships (for teachers >18)
Benefits: Master trainer status, data analysis skills, and practical experience in event organisation.
Why: Provides unique opportunities for professional growth beyond the classroom, such as tabulating learning outcomes for 1,000 teachers.
Retreats & Recognition
My Good School Retreat (Varanasi)
When: Nov 13–16.
Why: Immersive experience in GSA’s “joy of giving” and “joy of learning” philosophy.
Learning Forward Retreats (Dehradun)
When: 10 planned sessions.
Why: Intensive residential program to train teachers as GSA ambassadors.
Snehlata Prize
What: Award for educators building reading culture.
Why: Recognises and funds outstanding work. Nominations are open.
Next Steps
All Participants:
Attend the weekly “My Good School” (Sundays, 10:30 AM) and “Teachers Academy” (Saturdays, 3:30 PM) sessions.
Nominate deserving educators for the Snehlata Prize.
Share the one-minute GSA explainer video to build awareness, use link: (https://youtu.be/DVWsQ_uXB6s?si=W2-DcwPxFueeS6LE)
Paul P V:
Share the meeting recording and notes with all Sunbeam schools.
Ensure the Grameen School representative attending the Dehradun retreat receives full support.
