Science becomes stronger when it transcends the four walls of classroom into the community. Knowledge acquires its worth when it is imparted to the people who are inspired by it, especially the young ones who are in the process of discovering the world. With this approach, the Department of Electrical Engineering at Sandip University, Nashik planned a Community Engagement Program wherein the university students of engineering get involved with schoolchildren in a unique learning experience.
The program took place on 22nd October 2026 at Zilla Parishad Primary School, Talegaon, Nashik. The event brought 3rd Semester Electrical Engineering students along with schoolchildren together to create an interactive, curious, and learning environment. While for school children, it was a platform to enjoy and learn about science and technology in a different manner. It was an initiative for the students of university to step forward in the direction of mentoring the community.
This type of activity is one way in which universities and colleges demonstrate the involvement in social and economic life of the region. The connection between engineering students of university with the schools in local community can create such a bridge.
Program Objective: Making Science Accessible
The objective of this program was that of creating awareness about science and technology amongst school-aged kids, providing an avenue for the interaction between students and the community around them, and finally providing an avenue for university students to get hands-on experience in the field. The objective of the program was also that of making engineering fun for the kids at the school.
Practical Learning via Interactive Experiments
Sandip University students conducted interactive experiments on electricity and science activities in which the schoolchildren participated. Because of their direct involvement in the process, the children were able to understand the concept of engineering practically by seeing it happen, rather than just hearing about it. This method made technical subjects simpler for the students to learn.
Community Impact: Encouraging Curiosity and Scientific Thought
Through this activity, there was the creation of curiosity and scientific thinking in the minds of the children. Meeting the engineering students and doing the activities with them led to the children having early exposure to the field of science and engineering, which would aid them in getting interested in the field.
Learning for Students: Going Beyond the Classroom
Not only did the program provide great learning to the children, but it provided an equally great learning experience for the university students. The ability to explain scientific ideas in a way that is understandable by the children led to better communication skills, teamwork skills, leadership skills, and social responsibility.
Relation with the Sustainable Development Goals
There are three SDGs that this initiative relates to:
- SDG 4 – Quality Education: Promotes Inclusive and Knowledge Sharing
- SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Equal Access to Educational Opportunities for Schoolchildren
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Partnerships between the University and the Community for Sustainable Development
Sandip University’s Commitment to Community Engagement
This program showcases the dedication of Sandip University to the concepts of community engagement, service learning, and social responsibility through knowledge dissemination and innovations. The university strives to make sure that the students utilize the knowledge gained during their education in practice in order to become not just good engineers but also responsible professionals contributing to society.
The program was organized by Dr. Sathishkumar Hari and Mr. Imran Ahamed, and coordinated by the Department of Electrical Engineering, Sandip University, Nashik, Maharashtra.
Conclusion
The Community Engagement Program implemented in Zilla Parishad Primary School, Talegaon has proved the importance of a well-thought-out program in generating benefits for all stakeholders. Students in the school were interestingly introduced to science and technology. On the other hand, university students improved their interpersonal skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership. Finally, the community had a greater linkage with the university in its locality.
Most importantly, it has been shown that linking science with society is very easy and begins with knowledge sharing, arousing curiosity and inspiration. It is through these kinds of programs that Sandip University, Nashik produces engineers who can work for both technology and the community.
