Bantwal: Keddalike school in Bantwal has woven a success story with cooperation from teachers, students and villagers. In a portion of land owned by school, vegetables, fruits and flowers are grown which gives a great ‘learning by doing experience’ for all children.
The school located in Kavalapadur limits has become self sufficient as the vegetable required for the mid day meal scheme are grown in the school premises. The lush greenery, fruit bearing plants draw the appreciation from those who visit the school where all teachers have contributed their might in turning the ‘temple of education’ into ‘garden of harvest’.
Students beaming faces narrate the success story and the renewed enthusiasm of students every morning to see the little progress and nurture the ‘land that yields’ is for everyone to imbibe. Bio fertilizers are used to produce all the vegetables and fruits to maintain better quality index.
Gherkins, long beans, bottle guard, yam, papaya, coconut and banana are grown in half acre area. Some vegetables and greens are grown on creepers.
From the academic year 2014-15 around 150 saplings belonging to 28 special varieties of fruits have been planted around the school.
Parents, guardians and villagers have contributed a great deal in the growth of plants by watering and providing manure. One sapling has been planted in every child’s name and around 4-5 families are involved in the maintenance on a weekly basis. Teachers are seen visiting the school on holidays and Sundays and are keen on its all round growth.
Teaching fraternity, non –teaching staff, students and the school development committee members are the real pillars behind the novel program.
Grown vegetables are used in preparing the mid day meal program where different vegetables find way into the curry on a daily basis.
Orange, Mosambi, Seethaphal, guava,jack fruit, lemon, mango, papaya, litchis and Rambutan are among the 28 fruit varieties available in the school garden.
The school has received many district and state level awards in recognition of its efforts and has participated in many cultural, literature and environmental awareness programs. That is indeed a ‘sweet’ learning experience.
