Education serves as the foundation for individual growth and societal development, yet rural districts across India often struggle with poor literacy rates, infrastructural limitations, and high dropout rates. Recognising these challenges, IAS officer Nishant Kumar (2014 batch, Andhra Pradesh cadre), District Collector of Parvathipuram Manyam, initiated ‘My School, My Pride,’ a comprehensive program aimed at transforming government schools into centres of excellence. This initiative goes beyond traditional academic reforms by fostering student confidence, ensuring holistic development, and embedding a culture of learning that extends beyond textbooks.
THE URGENT NEED FOR EDUCATIONAL REFORM
Parvathipuram Manyam, established as a district in 2022, faced serious educational hurdles. The literacy rate lagged behind state and national averages, and school dropout rates were alarmingly high, particularly among marginalised communities. Additionally, social challenges such as child marriages hindered the educational progress of many girls.
A significant percentage of students came from Scheduled Tribes and other vulnerable communities, making it essential to implement an inclusive approach that catered to their specific needs. “’My School, My Pride’ was conceived to address these gaps by creating a structured, student-centric model that prioritised both academic and personal growth. The initiative aimed not only to improve academic performance but also to encourage students to dream beyond their circumstances and pursue ambitious career paths,” IAS Nishant Kumar shared with Indian Masterminds.
The hallmark of ‘My School, My Pride’ was the involvement of high-ranking government officials as adoption officers for 182 government high schools in the district. These officials—including the District Collector, Joint Collector, RDOs, Mandal Officers, and other key personnel—were assigned specific schools, making regular visits to assess progress and provide mentorship.
KEY STRATEGIES IMPLEMENTED
Encouragement Classes: Unlike conventional remedial classes, which often create a sense of inferiority, these classes focused on motivating students to embrace learning with a positive mindset.
Targeted Subject Improvement: Special emphasis was placed on core subjects—Mathematics, English, and Science—to build strong academic foundations and enhance students’ problem-solving abilities.
Interactive and Practical Learning: Adoption officers engaged students with real-world applications, career guidance, and interactive guest lectures.
Daily Online Tests (DoT): Implemented for 10th-grade students, these assessments reinforced classroom learning, improved retention, and reduced exam anxiety.
Addressing Dropouts and Enrollment Gaps: Rigorous efforts were made to re-enroll students who had dropped out, ensuring that every child had access to education.
Promoting gender equality: Special initiatives were undertaken to prevent child marriages and encourage higher education for girls.
Parental and Community Involvement: Parents were actively engaged to create a supportive home environment for continued learning.
MEASURING IMPACT
In 2023, the first year of the program, 7865 students secured First Division in 10th Class Exams (SSC) out of 10,689 students who appeared in the exam making 84% students securing first division. In 2024, the 8955 students secured first division (89%) out of 10443 students appearing in the exam.
The percentage of students securing first division in this Tribal District was more than pass Percentage of many developed Districts.
STUDENTS SUCCESS STORIES
Patarapalli Sekhar: A student from ZPH School, Kotturu, was forced to drop out due to a major surgery. With the intervention of the program, he rejoined school and secured first-division marks in the SSC exam.
Vangapandu Naveen: Previously a struggling student who had dropped out, he was re-enrolled under the program. With structured guidance, he excelled in his SSC exams, achieving first-division marks.
Rupanthi Ragamathi: She faced repeated failures in the SSC examination but, with targeted support and encouragement from ‘My School, My Pride,’ passed on her third attempt, restoring her confidence in academic success.
FOSTERING HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT
Education is not just about passing exams—it is about building character, resilience, and ambition. The program ensured students received guidance on career opportunities beyond the 10th grade. Adoption officers provided mentorship on personal development, problem-solving, and leadership, creating an environment where students felt valued and motivated.
Extracurricular activities such as debates, science fairs, and sports competitions were encouraged, fostering creativity and teamwork. The use of technology was also integrated into daily learning to prepare students for the modern workforce.
IAS officer Nishant Kumar emphasised, “The goal was never just to improve grades but to empower students with knowledge and confidence so they can dream beyond their circumstances.” He further added, “By engaging directly with students, we have created a system where learning is not a burden but a source of inspiration.” Reflecting on the program’s success, he noted, “The transformation in our district is a collective effort, proving that structured mentorship and regular interaction can change the future of these children.”
A MODEL FOR FUTURE EDUCATIONAL REFORMS
With the success of ‘My School, My Pride,’ the initiative has set a benchmark for educational transformation in rural India. The structured involvement of government officials, combined with a data-driven approach to student progress, has demonstrated that systemic change is possible with the right leadership and strategic planning.
Moving forward, the district administration aims to expand the initiative’s scope, refining methodologies and addressing emerging challenges. By sustaining these efforts, Parvathipuram Manyam ensures that every child, irrespective of background, has access to quality education and the opportunity to build a bright future.
Education remains the most powerful catalyst for social change, and the achievements of ‘My School, My Pride’ affirm that with commitment and innovative strategies, no challenge is insurmountable.
