This is a district known for migration of its people in search of livelihood leaving behind their kids in the elders’ care. But the senior citizens bent with age are unable to help their grandchildren when they themselves are in need of support.
Many such are unable to drop and pick up their wards at school. This is one of the major reasons children dropping out of school.
Jammu Mandal Praja Parishad School, located on the outskirts of Vizianagaram used to face huge dropouts. But now it has a decent strength of 120 students.
Thanks to the initiatives of the school headmaster Mantri Rammohana Rao. He arranged one auto-rickshaw for the safe transport of kids from their homes in nearby villages and colonies to the school and back.
He pays around ₹ 4,500 per month from his pocket to ensure continuation of the children’s education. Over 30 students have joined the school recently with the availability of transport from C.R. Nagar and other localities.
In fact, the school was in a dilapidated condition five years ago and and cyclone Hudhud dis the rest. Without waiting for help from the government, Mr. Rammohana Rao approached his alumni and Jammu residents for the reconstruction of the building.
With a kitty of ₹ 10 lakh the school’s compound wall and other infrastructure were rebuilt. Now the school premises resembles a park with all facilities.
No plastic zone
Further, as part of Swachh Bharat programme, plastic is not allowed in the school. Decent Western-style toilets were also constructed for the benefit of physically challenged students.
Thick greenery abounds the entire school premises, thanks to plantation of saplings occasionally. In a participate effort, each child is mandated to adopt at least one sapling and ensure its growth constantly.
Students’ health
Special gifts are offered to parents who attend monthly meetings of School Managements three times consecutively.
After observing the commitment Mr. Rammohana Rao, Shirdi Saibaba Seva Sangham Executive Member Kurivella Harigopal came forward for the supply of break-fast for all the students with a healthy and sumptuous light meal platter at 7.30 am.
“We don’t allow kids to eat junk and packaged food. Healthy snacks are provided during the interval with the support of teachers, parents and philanthropists. Our aim is to see healthy growth in their body as majority of them don’t get direct care from parents who migrated to cities in search of livelihood,” said Mr. Rammohana Rao while speaking to The Hindu .
For his efforts, the government had honoured him with State Best Teacher Award in Year 2018. Harita Award and Swacha Vidyalaya Award and others also were bestowed on him for ensuring overall performance of the school. Vizianagaram Collector M. Hari Jawaharlal, impressed with Mr. Rammohana Rao’s initiatives, is involving him in every clean and green drive, specially taken up in the fort town.
