Building as Learning Aid (BaLA)
BaLA is an innovative approach aimed at enhancing the quality of education by creating a child-friendly, learning-focused, and enjoyable physical environment within school infrastructure. It provides a holistic method for planning and utilizing school facilities, incorporating concepts like activity-based learning, child-friendliness, and inclusive education for children with special needs (CWSN). At its core, BaLA believes that the design and architecture of a school can serve as a valuable resource in the teaching-learning process. This concept was originally developed by Vinyas, Centre for Architectural Research & Design, with support from UNICEF. Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) has adopted the BaLA concept for its Vidyalayas.
KV ONGC Panvel, situated on the ONGC campus in Panvel, has embraced the BaLA approach. The school features 48 classrooms, along with various departments, labs, a children’s park, and a playground.
The school proudly implements several initiatives under the BaLA program, including Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) and the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN). These initiatives aim to enhance students’ proficiency across various subjects. Additionally, the school’s walls have been transformed into “Learning Walls,” integrating key elements from different subjects to create an engaging and educational environment for students.
