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watch; it should not smother the system and at the same time not be allowed to die off. That would be a sign of growing irrelevance. The maintenance and acquisition of new equipment should be coming out of the system itself. In the primary classes, basic skills will be imparted. These will beMaintenance: Skills required in everyday life. These are ones which children can be called upon to do with or without assistance. Some of these will not be recognized as something that needs instruction. But there are better ways of doing even little things. Use of Tools and Devices: Tools are what distinguish the human race from animals. One should have familiarity with the use of as many hand tools as possible. The specialization will come later. A rope is not merely a tool but it is used in all walks of life and has multiple uses. Use of Materials: Tools are used to shape materials. One must also get a feel in the working of different materials. This can go along with use of tools. Physical: The use of tools and materials depends on certain physical abilities like strength, aim, agility, nimbleness of fingers, flexibility of body and limbs, stamina, courage and endurance. Whether these are called skills or abilities, they can be developed by training and exercise. Sharpening of all senses is equally important. Nature: We have to learn to understand, recognize and interpret the nature around us. The things around us are not to be seen as information – they must be seen as skills to be practiced. To some extent, these are the skills which the uneducated have and the educated have lost. Rural Development Through Education System 134
