Bantwal: A group of friends from Daddalakadu Durga Friends Union visited various schools in Tamil Nadu to assess the prevailing primary education system and found the TN government schools are way ahead of Karnataka state schools in imparting primary education.
Durga Friends Union from Daddalakadu known for rescuing government schools from closure with committed efforts is touring southern states to assess the education system and infrastructure at primary level. Last month they visited various schools in Kerala and are now touring parts of Tamil Nadu.
During their TN tour, the friends’ union members visited Sukkiramania Panchayath Union School in Sulai Taluk, Velampalyam School in Bhavani taluk and Kakkalur Panchayath Union School, all in Erode district.
They found most schools have good student strength, exceeding 250 students for grades 1-7. Most schools have perfect student–teacher ratio and are equipped with smart boards.
According to some TN school teachers, there was a decline in student strength midway during the last 10 years when parents opted for private schools. But the decision of the primary education department to introduce English at primary level helped schools in regaining the lost ground.
Various government schemes, support from parents and primary education department has also helped schools retain students.
According to visiting team members, meditation classes in the morning, yoga classes during the day and physical training / sports and games classes in the evening are part of the curriculum in Tamil Nadu.
The Durga Friends’ Union members have contributed a great deal for primary education with their selfless efforts in rural areas of Bantwal Taluk. Their efforts to revive Daddalakadu Government School which was on the verge of closure, set a new example and also brought them into limelight.
