A new lease on learning

Two schools in Karnataka avoided closure after the intervention of local communities that refused to give up on public education, writes K M Santoshkumar and Pavan Kumar H.

In Karnataka, many government schools remain neglected. Recently, two such schools, including one with a 143-year legacy, have been revitalised, thanks to the efforts of former students and local villagers. 

Hangaravalli, in Chikkamagaluru district, is an unassuming hilly village, with each house separated by a furlong. However, this village is now home to a government school that has transformed into a model of excellence. What was once a struggling institution on the brink of closure is now thriving, thanks to the collective efforts of villagers, teachers, and alumni.

This Kannada-medium school began its journey 75 years ago and once had more than 250 students. However, with the rise of private and English-medium schools, the enrolment in this school began to decline. By 2009, the number of students had dropped to just nine, and the education department issued a notice to merge the school with the government school in Aalladur, located 10 km away.

Determined to save the school, a group of villagers, led by Manjunath, a Kannada teacher, and the School Development and Management Committee (SDMC) president Shekhar, formed the Sri Uddandeshwara Shikshana Seva Trust. They informed the villagers the negative impact the school’s closure would have on their children’s education.

Problem identification

The group first identified the reasons behind the drop in student numbers. They found that a lack of transportation and the absence of English-language instruction were pushing students toward nearby private schools. To address this, the trust introduced kindergarten classes to retain students and boost enrolment. They also decided to construct a well-equipped school building.

Each trust member contributed at least Rs 10,000 and collected donations from philanthropists in surrounding villages. The office-bearers developed a model school framework, obtained permission for bilingual education, raised funds for construction, and coordinated with the government.

Today, their efforts are bearing fruit. The school now has 330 students from LKG to Class 7. The trust has appointed five English teachers, and the school offers dual-language instruction. With one teacher for every 25 students, the majority of guest teachers’ salaries are paid by the trust.

The school’s infrastructure has also improved significantly. A new three-storey building has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 4 crore. Like other government schools, it provides free uniforms, shoes, socks, and notebooks. In addition, the school organises free annual excursions and provides mid-day meals.

The school’s revival is creating a ripple effect, leading to the closure of two nearby private schools due to a lack of students. The school’s alumni, now in prominent positions, have contributed to its growth. 

Parents who had earlier enrolled their children in private schools, are now bringing them back to the government school. Many children from Hangaravalli and nearby villages now attend classes here. A majority of the students come from socially disadvantaged communities.

Raghavendra A R Avuthi, the parent of a Class 5 student, says that the introduction of English medium has brought significant improvement to the government school. “We began to feel that there was no need to send our son to a private school, as Hangaravalli School was offering better education. My son can now speak fluent English. Moreover, I am saving nearly Rs 1.5 lakh per year after discontinuing his private school education,” he says. 

Rajeshwari, the in-charge headmistress, says one of the key reasons for the school’s success is the commitment of both permanent and guest teaching staff. “Our efforts are to make this school a model for others in the state.”

Future plans include expanding the school to include a high school and building a sports complex. The trust also aims to upgrade the library, computer lab, classrooms, and staff rooms. They plan to accommodate more than 500 students in the near future. Additionally, they hope to purchase three acres of nearby land and develop it as a playground.

A major issue that led to the decline in enrolment in 2002-03 was the lack of transportation. In this hilly region, where public transport is scarce, bringing students to school was a challenge. To address this, the trust also arranged for school transportation by procuring two buses. Students pay for the drivers’ salaries and fuel costs.

SDMC president Rudregowda says, “We are proud of what we have achieved. Our school is a testament to what can be accomplished when the community comes together.”

A 143-year legacy

While a trust stood behind the revival of Hangaravalli’s government school, in Bagalkot’s Rabkavi, two alumni of the Kannada Boys’ Model Primary School, a British-era institution with nearly 143 years of history, decided to give their alma mater a new lease on life.

Dr Ravi Jamkhandi, an anaesthesiologist in Rabkavi, and his relative Vinod Malagi, a retired telecom engineer in Bengaluru, were moved by the school’s poor condition. A portion of the roof had collapsed, century-old walls were cracked, and the floors on which students sat had worn out.

Spending nearly Rs 4.7 lakh, the duo ensured that students would not have to sit in leaking classrooms this monsoon. “When we approached the school, both the education department and school management welcomed our efforts and helped us in every possible way,” says Dr Ravi. After repairing the toilets and making them functional, they now plan to fix the compound gates to prevent misuse of the premises.

Vijaykumar Halkurki, the school’s headmaster, says that even though the government has undertaken some renovation work, many needs remain unmet. “This school has a long legacy, and many of its alumni are in high positions and doing well in life. We have been requesting them to contribute to the school’s welfare. Inspired by Dr Ravi and Vinod, many former students are now coming forward to help us with educational kits, kitchen utensils, and more.”

Shivanand Bagalakotmath, a village elder, praises the efforts of Ravi and Malagi, saying their renovation work has inspired several donors to contribute to the overall development of the schools. “The renovated school, with improved facilities, will definitely attract more students,” he says.

Students at the improved Hangaravalli school grounds. 

Students participate in an academic exercise at the Hangaravalli school in the Chikkamagalur district. Photos by K M Santoshkumar  

The renovated school in Rabkavi city Bagalkot .