Srinagar, October 30: Aasima Jan, a teacher and author from north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, has authored a book on school enrolment and student retention, drawing on more than two decades of teaching experience and community engagement.
The book, titled Foundations of School Enrollment and Retention, highlights the importance of ensuring that children not only enter school but also continue their education in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.
Speaking at the book’s launch, Jan said her approach to education was shaped by her mother, an educator who worked with families, particularly mothers, to encourage children to attend school.
“My mother believed that students cannot be brought to school through circulars alone. They can be brought to school through love and care,” she said.
Jan said she had carried forward her mother’s mission through more than 23 years of teaching, classroom engagement and community mobilisation.
Recalling her experiences, she said children entering school often carried fears, anxieties and personal concerns that teachers might overlook.
“We celebrate enrolment, but what about retention? We open the doors of our schools for our students. Do we open our hearts?” she asked.
She stressed the need to make schools fear-free spaces where children feel accepted and parents remain connected with the education system.
Jan has also been associated with the community initiative Shrug Off Fear, School Is Here, which seeks to promote enrolment, improve student retention and strengthen partnerships between schools, families and communities.
She dedicated the book to teachers who visit homes to bring children back to school, mothers who hope their daughters will continue their education, and educators who believe that supporting one child can help transform an entire community.
At the event, senior journalist editor Nazim Nazir appreciated Jan’s work and emphasised the importance of strengthening relationships between parents and teachers. He also encouraged young writers and participants to sustain literary and intellectual engagement.
Writer and poet Shabnam Ashai welcomed the participation of young writers, particularly women, in literary activities in Baramulla.
Jan, who works as a teacher trainer and researcher, writes about classroom experiences, community engagement and the role of teachers in shaping young lives. She received the State Best Teacher Award in 2023 in recognition of her contribution to education.
Through her writing and community initiatives, Jan advocates an education system built on trust, empathy and meaningful relationships, where every child feels respected and encouraged to learn.
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