termite wings through the deserted corridors,
The footsteps and shouts of children
are distant memories,
The only pupil now,
are a pair of nesting sparrows, a foraging myna
and an occasional goat.
The boards are smudged with remnants of
drawings and writings of little hands,
The windows and doors tightly shut
seem to be revolting in silence.
Sadly the above is not only true during the summer holidays, but symbolic of the school days too. A chat with the Head Master revealed the state of this school (Govt. Boys School, Valparai) where summer holidays doesn't really mean students have worked hard and, are ready to go to the next grade. The school management has asked to promote every student who attempts the year-end exam. This way there is a 100% passing rate until students face the 10th and 12th Std public exam. The external evaluation results in 0-1% passing rate. The HM said that students and their parents (mostly tea-estate workers) do not pay much attention to schooling, as a result hardly any parent turns up for PTA meetings. Now he does not know who to blame – the students if they refuse to inform parent about PTA meetings or the parents who refuse to turn up, its hard to say. The HM also complains about lack of enthusiasm, interest and a negative attitude in students working against their progressive learning. He also says that, no student out of this school can go beyond being an electrician or plumber.
People seem to be mechanically carry out their duties in this school,all including students, teachers and the management. We hope to initiate our nature education programs and manage to pump some energy into the spirit of learning through activity and fun based programs.
Enthusiasm in the key to the door of innovation and progress, without it, no productive headway is possible.
