Nothing succeeds like success. And nothing is more satisfying than your success becoming a benchmark for others to emulate. The high schools of Odisha’s Ganjam district, with their all-new look, are a case in point. Under the stewardship of District Magistrate Vijay Amruta Kulange, the district administration and school committees have brought about such spectacular changes in the schools that they are being appreciated by the entire state and MPs, MLAs and other senior officials are visiting the district to see for themselves how this transformation was brought about. Everyone is looking at the schools as models to replicate in their own districts.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Vijay Amruta Kulange explained the whole initiative and revealed how they were able to bring about such wonderful changes in the schools.
MODERNISING SCHOOLS UNDER 5T
According to the 2013-batch IAS officer, all 633 high schools in the district will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities in a phased manner under the 5T mantra of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Already 133 schools have been transformed in the first phase and 233 other schools will undergo the same changes in the next phase.
He said, “Positive transformation and modernization of schools is one of my main objectives. Children can go a long way if schools are good. Our job is to change the entire education system. For this, we are working keeping in mind the 5T mantra of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.”
WHAT IS 5T?
The 5T initiative is an ambitious scheme of the Government of Odisha, under which institutions are modernized to bring about a paradigm shift. 5T stands for Transparency, Teamwork, Technology, Time and Transformation. Transformation through teamwork using technology within timeline insuring transparency within a time frame. This is the basic objective of this scheme.
SMART SCHOOLS
Under the ‘smart schools’ initiative, all high schools of Ganjam district are being transformed. In the first phase, 133 schools underwent major changes. At least two smart classes have been created in every school for class 9 and 10. In some schools, 5 to 6 smart classes have been created because of necessity. Smart classes have been provided with a complete interactive system, from Android-based software to internet. At the same time, 2 green boards (writing with chalk) and 1 white board (writing with markers) have been provided in each class.
LIBRARIES AND LABS
Significant changes have also been made in the school libraries. The existing libraries have been improved and new ones have been built in schools with no library. In addition to the regular books, a large number of e-books have also been provided to the new libraries.
Next to undergo changes are the science laboratories. Platforms have been provided in each lab with all facilities for experiments. In addition, teachers will also get an interactive board in the lab, where they will be able to show demos online. This will make it easier for the students to learn practical.
WELL PLANNED INFRASTRUCTURE
A lot of work is being done to improve the infrastructure and basic facilities of the schools. According to Mr. Kulange, they started off by changing the colours of the schools as he believes that the more attractive the school looks, the more positive effect it will have on the impressionable minds of the children. That’s why the school buildings were painted with bright and lively colours, beautiful tiles have been laid on the floors and attractive lights have been added to the roofs.
Also, comfortable seats were installed for children so that they don’t get back pain. At the same time, better roads have also been built both inside and outside the school.
Mr. Kulange said, “With such good facilities, the child who stays from 10 am to 5 pm in the school will feel much better. And when he gets a pleasant environment, he will feel like studying more and his ability to learn will increase. Same with the teachers.If they take classes in smart classes, they will also enjoy teaching. Overall, this will lead to better coordination, which will benefit the students.”
CLEAN WATER
Special attention has been paid to providing clean water to the children in school. The ‘Water Bell’ initiative has been started in the schools of Odisha. Under this initiative, children are asked to drink water by ringing the bell 3 times a day so that they stay hydrated. This initiative was taken up in 4000 schools of Ganjam.
SMART TOILET
Clean and proper toilets are a major problem in most schools in India,but this problem has been sorted out in the schools of Ganjam. According to Mr. Kulange, the toilets in these schools meet the standards of the airports and malls, with superior quality lights, fans and exhaust. At least 2 toilets and 10 urinals (5 for girls and 5 for boys) have been built in each school.
OTHER FACILITIES
Along with these facilities, playgrounds have also been built for the children with arrangements to play Kabaddi, Kho-Kho and Volleyball, etc. At the same time, special attention has been paid to make the schools green by planting trees and proper landscaping. Such greenery not only gives fresh air, but also has a positive effect on the health of the children. In addition, every school which has space has an amphitheatre for open programs.
Mr. Kulange said that he ardently believes that if high school children get good facilities in school, they will develop a good career outlook,that will help them later in life when they go out into the world.
