A 108-year-old government school at Guluru in Tumakuru taluk has embraced modernity gracefully and has become a model for others. Just two years ago, the Government Model Higher Primary School was a crumbling edifice lacking basic infrastructure. However, today it boasts of computer labs, airy classrooms, a library, science labs, separate toilets for boys and girls, and all other amenities offered by private schools that charge hefty tuition fees.

“We proudly tell our friends who go to private schools that we work on computers,” says Nethravathi. V. G, an eighth standard student. Like his friends, he can’t get over the fact that till recently, their school was in a dilapidated state with broken tiles, leaky roofs and cracks in walls.

Worried about the safety of their children, villagers approached MLA Suresh Gowda seeking a new school building. Mr. Gowda sanctioned Rs. 80 lakh from the MLA LAD (Local Area Development) funds.

MLC Lehar Singh offered Rs. 10 lakh and former minister V. Somanna contributed Rs. 5 lakh towards construction of a new building. L&T, an Indian MNC, offered Rs. 10 lakh as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, which is being used to pay the salaries of LKG and UKG teachers, the computer teacher and a sweeper.

“Earlier, our friends used to make fun and tease us, as we were studying in an old building. But now, we are happy to show them our new school,” said Vinutha N., a seventh standard student.

The co-ed school, which has LKG, UKG and classes from I to VIII, has a total strength of 282. The pride of the school is the computer laboratory, which has 20 computers and Wi-Fi connection.

Another student Akbar Khan adds, “Seeing us in such a nice building, now my friends want to join our school.”

Headmistress N. Hemavathi says, “After the revamp, we have been getting applications from students of private schools nearby.”

The school will be celebrating its 108th anniversary on Friday.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by S. B huvaneshwari / Bengaluru – August 05th, 2016