Edgar Cardoza
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi
Udupi, Aug 3: From the verge of extinction, Pandeshwar aided School has bounced back to life once again with the generous help of Bhargavi Trust.
Primary schools are considered as the primitive entities in the education system. But in reality, education in a primary school plays a pivotal role in the overall development of character in an individual. It is indeed very sad that the Kannada medium schools which were considered as the best institutes once upon a time, giving excellent education to our elders, are on the verge of extinction.
The closing or shutting down of the Kannada medium government aided or unaided schools are something we hear very often these days. These schools are shutting down due to a wrong notion that English medium institutes provide better standard to modern-day lifestyle.
From past many years these schools are being totally ignored. Here in the remote corner of Pandeshwar, Sasthana, an experiment is gaining momentum and a school which was about to shutdown is boasting an influx of 50 new students for the current academic year.
Bhargavi Trust, led by Nandini Rajesh Arya, has adopted few schools across the country and is focusing on giving a new lease of life such as quality education, uniform, scholarships etc that can boost students immensely. One such school, the trust has adopted is Pandeshwar government aided Higher Primary school at Pandeshwar-Sasthan, Udupi. In fact her mother, Bhagirathiamma, an ex-student of the school in late 1940s has been instrumental in constructing the present building and has donated on numerous occasions to the school.
An investiture ceremony was held on Saturday July 30 wherein young captains and prefects were bestowed the responsibility of leadership.
Fr John Mendonca, Correspondent of the institute presided over the inaugural session along with Nandini Arya, president, Bhargavi Trust, advocate Bharthi G, member, Bhargavi Trust, ex-student, Dr Satish Poojary ENT specialist and medical director of Sri Matha hospital Kundapur, Dr Prakash Tholar, a leading psychiatrist and chief medical officer Sri Matha hospital Kundapur, both are directors of Parivarthana a centre for mental health care at Kota, Suresh Poojary, secretary, School development Management Committee, Jnaneshwari Udupi, president, PTA were present on the dais.
Fr John Mendonca thanked Nandini Arya for adopting the school and said, “We see that the aided schools are eventually disappearing. In this situation, even our school was on the way of being closed. People of the village came forward and extended their support to run the school. Nandini Arya is very much concerned about this institution especially she is very affectionate with children and wants to impart the best knowledge to them. She has given her heart and soul in upbringing of this school. We thank her and her trust for this selfless service.”
Dr Satish Poojary, an ex- student of the school got nostalgic on this occasion. He was grateful to his teachers and friends for their support. “I thank all like-minded people for helping the school. I too would like to pledge my support in the coming days. It is totally wrong to say that kids who go to English medium school only become successful or reach greater heights. Everyone is capable of that. Parents should also involve their children in all co-curricular activities along with academics. Talent is mostly found in the rural areas. Through education one can fill light in their lives,” he said.
Dr Prakash Tolar, speaking on the occasion complemented the school on the measures taken for improved education. He said, “Even leading English medium schools do not focus on slow learners and do not adopt methods for remedial teaching for them.” He extended his help by inviting teachers to his institute wherein the teachers will be explained on how to deal with slow learners. His expertise being a psychiatrist will help in the development of such students.
Lecturer Genevieve Lewis welcomed the gathered, Sujatha proposed the vote of thanks. Reshma N compered the stage programme.
Alwyn Andrade, President, Rotary club, Brahmavar, and the member School Development Committee gave an insight about the development measurers that are initiated and being executed at the school.
Bharathi and Nandini distributed the scholarship bonds for 20 first standard students. This bond would gain maturity when the children would complete their seventh standard. Then the amount could be withdrawn to be utilized for higher studies, ensuring a long term security deposit made for each child.
Nandini Arya speaking to the Daijiworld Media representatives said, “My family has funded schools for their well functioning. Around 5 to 6 years back we founded our family trust and started funding the similar purpose. Our trust funds selected schools in India. We did not want to focus on any individual. Hence we have adopted institutions wherein we work with donations received. The only challenge I had to face was that I had to involve in this work personally. Due to family occupation in Mumbai, I cannot spend much time here. We have been very particular about the money spent on this institution. We have never compromised with the discipline that is required.”
“We believe that a village/community is equally responsible in raising children and this school at Pandeshwara-Sasthan is a perfect role model. As part of immediate steps at Pandeshwara Aided Upper Primary School, Bhargavi Trust along with highly motivated individuals from Sasthan like Sudhir B Poojary, P Vithala Poojary, Brahmavar Rotary President Alwyn Andrade, Suresh Poojary, Advocate Bharthi Poojary, many valued volunteers and distinguished ex-students have implemented a wide range of activities to improve the quality of education.” she added.
As an immediate measure, provision of safe drinking water with an aqua guard, improved sanitation in toilets, employment of seven new qualified teachers, and painting classrooms with cheerful and colourful colours was executed. The children are provided with education kits, education materials and school uniforms for both curricular and sport days.
Every child has been given an identity card by an ex-student Makkimane Harish Poojary. All children have been given individual files in which their overall details and overall performances are recorded by the teachers.
A magnanimous donor has donated 72 sets of desks through the trust allowing students to rise off the floor. It is a vital step in keeping young eager students in school.
Children have grown a full-fledged vegetable garden with tomatoes and other vegetables that will take care of their midday meal needs. A good agriculturist Vasu Poojary an ex-student of the school has taught children to grow saplings and vegetables in an organic manner.
Importance is given to outdoor games, indoor games, art, craft classes, moral education, and fine arts too. This will help in the overall development of the child and not restrict him to rote learning.
Initiatives have been identified in key areas such as examination reforms, teacher development, student leadership, and the use of technology in the way of a computer lab and upcoming E-class.
The trust has realized that children in most low income families are sent to school mainly to keep them busy. They come from agricultural backgrounds and some of them are first generation learners and have to manage their homework without the help of family members. The problems that these children face are deep rooted. To help a slow learner the trust has a 'Star' programme in the school which is a unique remedial education service. It means "Student teacher achieved results". Coaching extra classes are being run on school premises during and after school hours. This helps students who may be first generation learners, slow learners or deprived of a home environment to do their homework.
The medium of instruction like in all aided schools in the state is Kannada. English is taught as a second language. From the first standard itself importance is given to grammar, reading and activities.
“A child cannot be limited to our own learning, for he is born in a different time. Hence we have created a child friendly environment, where learning is fun, classrooms are neat with new desks, new writing boards, an audio visual class, new books for library, field trips, educational camps and picnics have been outlined for the whole year. The children are aware of the perceptions of people about rural Kannada medium schools versus private English medium schools. With these changes their confidence has increased. They now have great pride in their school, their neat appearances, their regular attendance hours and the sheer importance of going to school ensures that their heads are held high and they are proud to be captains and prefects,” said the trustee.
The admission for the year 2016 was 50 students from a nil in the previous year speaks volumes of the changes incorporated in the school.
Children now produce drawings on the computer and help each other achieve in getting good percentages in academics. Their parents now importantly take time off from their jobs and attend school functions, parent teacher meetings and SDMC meetings which are held at school on a regular basis. A suggestion box is open for all. Introduction of specialist subject teachers and extra-curricular activities which was alien to the students and parents, has improved the performance of the children.
Teachers and students are made to realize that just spending time in school is not enough. There has to be a significant gain in skills which improves the quality of education. The vision of the school has explicitly shifted to improvement.
The trust strongly believes in social service, and does not give a heed towards publicity.