Ritinjali Conducts Teachers' Training: Ritinjali organized a ten-day In-Service Enrichment Teacher Development Programme. The seven teachers from Ladakh region arrived at the Ritinjali office on May 23, 2004 by road after a tiring journey of more than four days. They were escorted by Mr. Pathak, a JCO with the Indian Army in its EME Division in Ladakh.

These young teachers represent Army Goodwill Schools (AGS) or Sadbhavna being run by the Indian Army in the border areas of Ladakh region. The Schools were started after Operation Vijay in Kargil in 1998 when the Indian Army realized the importance of having goodwill with the local communities on the borders in implementing its peace/war time operations.

Prior to their arrival, arrangements were made in detail at the Ritinjali premises in Mahipalpur for the boarding and lodging by the Ritinjali team. Ritinjali volunteers have been coordinating the ten-day Programme after working out an intense plan for the same. During the first week the teachers have participated in:

During a discussion with the teachers, it was learnt that the teachers feel satisfied and enriched due to the exposure they have been receiving through the workshop that also comprises of 'Computer Awareness Workshop' on a daily basis. One participant stated that unlike other tiring teachers' training programmes/workshops (one of which he attended in Chandigarh), which run from morning to evening, this one is more focused and compact. He added that the component of leisure time through outings on a daily basis makes the Programme unique and enjoyable. During the same week, the teachers have visited Cottage Industries Emporium, National Art Gallery, Gurgaon Malls, National Museum, Sarojini Nagar Market, Lajpat Nagar Market, tourist places in Agra, and Old Delhi. On May 31, 2004, Ritinjali organized a get-together in the evening of all those who had been part of the Programme-teacher trainees, trainers, resource persons, Ritinjali Members and staff. For the evening, the trainees prepared and served some delicious momos and timos and revealed cultural richness of Ladakh though songs and dance.

The Teacher Trainees had an emotional farewell on June 2, 2004 after exchanging gifts with the Ritinjali team. They left by road on June 3, 2004.

Ritinjali is grateful to various resource people for the programme - Irfan (NAZ India Foundation), and Dr. Suri (Gender Training Institute).