ಸಂಚಿಕೆ ೧ : ಗದಗ್ ನ ಹಳದಿ ಬಣ್ಣದ ಶಾಲೆ, ಮಮತಾ ಟಿ (Episode 01 : The Yellow School in Gadag, by Mamatha T.)

This is the story of Mamatha. T, a teacher at the Government Higher Primary school, Narayanapura, Gadag district.

When she joined the school, it was being run in a dilapidated old building. Since most of her seniors were promoted, she was put in-charge of the school. She shared her ideas with her colleagues and, with the help of the public and public servants, got a new building sanctioned for the school.

Once that was done, the team concentrated on the beautification of the campus. They cleaned it up, arranged for potable water, worked on waste disposal, etc. They got modern teaching aids with help of donations from the community. The school now has a digital classroom.

Together, the school authorities and children had planted saplings with the help of the local panchayat. Vegetables needed for the mid-day meal are actually grown on their campus. As a result, the school is recognized as a ‘Yellow school’ by the environment department. Hers is the first school in the state, to implement a water bell and has bagged the first place in a survey done by the ‘Nali Kali’ stream of learning.

She goes on to talk about how Akshara Foundation has given Ganitha Kalika Andolana maths kits to the school. Though they are meant for primary schools, they are found to be useful for higher primary schools as well. AIFT (American Indian Foundation) has donated kits to enhance English teaching and learning.

School excursions, celebration of important days are a regular feature of the school now. They celebrate the birthday of the school building too! The government, donors, the public, and enthusiastic students have made it all happen. The best part of all this is that schools in the neighbourhood are trying to imitate/compete with this school, which in itself is an honour.

We hope to inspire many such yellow schools and many more stories from teachers all around. Hope you enjoyed her podcast.