The Government’s Higher Primary School on Mananthavadi Road in Mysuru has turned an inventive corner, swapping traditional brick buildings for refurbished rail coaches. This unique transformation was a joyous occasion for students as the school reopened, with vibrant coaches replacing the old, deteriorating structure. The rail coaches, painted in bright colors and adorned with alphabet and numeral curtains, have become a beacon of ‘joy in learning.’ These classrooms are equipped with benches, desks, and boards, catering to classes from first to seventh grade.
In an interview with Lokmat’s Dr. Anubha Jain, CN Raju, the block education officer of Mysuru South, explained the origins of this initiative. The Central Union Railway initially established the GHPS Railway workshop school in 1936 for railway staff children. Over time, children from slum areas and marginalized communities also joined. However, the original building fell into ruin and eventually had to be closed. Recognizing the critical need for continuous education, railway officials converted two train coaches into classrooms.
The school now hosts 61 students, taught by four teachers, and offers sports activities like cricket, badminton, kabaddi, kho-kho, and carrom. A notable feature is the ‘Dinagalu Aivatthu’-‘Kalika Sampatthu’ bridge program, initiated by CN Raju. This program aims to fill learning gaps and support children with special needs, helping them rejoin mainstream schools. The program, launched on June 1st, 2024, will conclude with assessments on August 1st. Raju emphasized the importance of motivating slum area children and their parents to participate, ensuring every child gains basic competencies.