Nizamabad: Vempalli Primary School sets example for others

Balconda (Nizamabad): It is no secret that government schools in the country are up against many odds. These schools fight with many problems like teachers' shortage, their absenteeism, lack of facilities, poor educational standards etc. But this need not be the norm.

This bleak picture of government school is brightened by Government Primary School in Vempalli village, Mupkal mandal, Nizamabad district. This school is competing with private schools in every way like students' strength, uniform, quality of education etc.

When the Vempalli Primary School started in 2015-16 academic year, it had just 23 students. The school had classes from nursery to seventh, but due to a smaller number of students, sixth and seventh classes were removed. The insignificant number of students forced the closure of this school. But the villagers came up with a plan to keep the school alive and decided to shun private schools and to admit their children in government school only.

Hence the credit of the school's revival goes to the villagers and the youth, who supported the government school. Thus, the number of students started to increase to 130 from the initial 23.

During 2016-17 academic year, the school had 180 students and it has increased to 210 now, studying from nursery to fifth class.

Now English medium was introduced with the help of the villagers in the school. Villagers have recruited five Vidya Volunteers to solve teachers' shortage in the school. Then, they set up a fund in the beginning of 2015–16 academic year for the staff salaries and school maintenance. There are 300 families in the village and they started collecting Rs 1,000 from each family toward the school fund. In addition to this, NRIs, politicians and youth groups of this village give donations every year. The villagers have set up a fund of Rs 3 lakhs, which will be supported by donors. Village Development Committee (VDC) pays the salaries of Vidya volunteers every year from this fund.

Apart from this, many good Samaritans have provided basic infrastructure in the school. The donors provided two projectors, dual desk benches, green boards and toys for nursery children.

With quality education and all facilities, the students of Vempalli Primary School scored good ranks in Gurukul School entrance examination - 19 students in 2016–17, 23 in 2017–18 and 23 students in 2018–19 academic year were selected for Gurukul Schools.

Even though the students' strength is increasing, the number of teachers is not increasing on par with the students. There are two regular posts and were filled by teachers on deputation. Villagers have recruited five vidya volunteers and the government also send a volunteer. But the salaries of vidya volunteers has become a burden on the villagers.

Presently students from other villages are also coming to join in the school. But they couldn't be admitted due to lack of classrooms.

Speaking to The Hans India, School Development Committee member Gangadhar said that the Vempalli Primary School standout ideal for other public schools due to the support of the villagers.

"The villagers are gladly contributing Rs 1,000 per house per month. With the fund thus contributed, we are providing more facilities in the school," he added.

School Headmaster Lakshminarayana said the villagers' participation has increased their responsibility. "We have worked hard to bring back the glory of the school and now reaping the fruits of our hard work," he said. The School HM pointed out that presently they are facing shortage of classrooms as more students are joining the school.