Karnataka: Govt school painted to resemble train to attract students
What's the story
A government school in Nanjangud taluk in Karnataka's Mysuru district has been painted to look like a train to check migration of its students to private schools. "Government schools are shutting down these days because children are going to private schools. This made us think why not we paint the school to make it look differently," Block Education Officer M Narayana said. Here's more.
Students migrating
School had some students waiting to join private schools
The govt school, which has Classes 1-7, had 50 students while a few others were reportedly waiting to join some private schools. The education department stumbled upon this idea when it faced the challenge of possible school dropouts and parents admitting children to private schools. The officer said the four-five teachers in the school decided to paint the school wall to resemble a train.
School's strength increased
Strength of school increased by 5 students
"After the painting, not only did children give up their plans to go to private schools but some others came back from nearby private schools," the Block Education Officer said. Earlier, there were 50 students but today their number has increased to 55, he added. Villagers too contributed their mite by laying the foundation for a school compound wall.
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Idea came from a similar school in Rajasthan: Headmaster
Basava Naik, the school headmaster, said "One of our teachers got a message about the school-train somewhere in Rajasthan, which prompted him to plan a similar thing here. We are happy that children are showing interest in our school."