BELTHANGADY, KARNATAKA:
The Govt Higher Primary School, Guruvayanakere, in Belthangady is set to celebrate its 120th anniversary with the inauguration of a brand-new air-conditioned kindergarten block on October 25. The upgrade marks a major improvement in the school’s infrastructure, aiming to attract more students and bring facilities on par with private institutions.
Upgrading facilities to attract students
The school, established in 1905, currently has 141 students and seven teachers, including five permanent and two guest educators. Uma D Gowda, the headmistress for the past four years, said the new block was introduced to enhance learning amenities and encourage enrollment.
“About two decades ago, the school had more than 500 students. But the numbers declined as English medium schools with better infrastructure emerged nearby. The new block is a way to improve facilities and attract more pupils,” she said.
The kindergarten section was started in 2022-23, and the new block will provide modern classrooms and amenities to support early childhood education.
Alumni and community support
The construction of the block was funded largely through contributions from the school’s alumni, teachers, and well-wishers. The school maintains contact with over 600 alumni through social media, who contributed generously to the project. Donations of around Rs 10 lakh have already been collected, with more expected.
“One of our major supporters is alumnus Hemanth Rao Y., whose family spans three generations at the school. Another significant contributor is an educationist with a nearby institution,” said Gowda.
Broader campus renovations
Apart from the new kindergarten block, renovation of the existing school buildings began in 2022 with support from CSR funding. The campus has received fresh paint, repaired structures, and newly constructed washrooms to provide a better learning environment for students.
The initiative, led by SDMC president Abul Lathif, reflects the combined effort of the school administration, teachers, alumni, and local community to preserve and modernize a century-old institution while ensuring quality education for future generations.