Karwar: The derelict government model higher primary school at Chittakula, near Karwar, which was on the verge of giving way anytime, has now got a new lease of life.
With a weak roof, shabby, cracked walls, burst water pipeline crying for repair, and toilets in poor state emitting foul smell, the school resembled more of a weather beaten building that a temple of learning.
The constant fear that the roof, why, even the entire building could collapse like a pack of cards anytime on them, gnawing at the brave hearts of students who steeling themselves for any eventuality, came to study under its roof and gain knowledge.
However, thankfully, this is all thing of the past. Today, though, the school, stands as an epitome of a model one, where every child of Chittakula would love to enroll himself/herself.
This transformation would not have happened but for the naval officials who going beyond being custodians of country’s security, took up the singular task of rejuvenating the school, making it once again a habitable house of learning.
Today, the same school, which once resembled worse than a cowshed, sports strong, resilient roof, its walls freshly painted, new water pipelines installed and a squeaky clean toilet complex in place, making it any keen children’s learner’s paradise.
Wednesday saw high ranking naval officials visit the renovated school and discuss the various changes that it has undergone after the launch of the developmental works which was taken up.
Says a proud and satisfied Naval Officer R K Singh those displaced by Navy’s Seabird project are being rehabilitated here and in order to help their wards get better educational facilities, a government school was started in 1999. As years rolled down, the school had become derelict wanting immediate attention.
Last year, Admiral General K J Kumar during his visit to the school to take part in a health check-up camp held discussions with officials regarding the sorry state of the school.
Officials voluntarily collected Rs 2.90 lakh and a blueprint prepared on works to be taken up to renovate the school posthaste.
On January 22, renovation works began and it has been completed in a span of two months, he explained.
Water proofing has been done to the roof atop and ceiling fans installed in every classroom. To reduce power bill, LED bulbs have been installed. Walls have been painted and photographs of freedom fighters have been put up. Motivation slogans too grace the walls to inspire the young children that constitute its students.
Rest rooms
In front of every classroom, a slipper stand has been erected. First-aid kits too have been donated to every classroom. Rest room and lunch room constructed for the teachers.
Speaking on the occasion, Admiral General K J Kumar said, there are total of seven schools in seven navy rehabilitation centres providing education to the wards of displaced families as part of its duty by the Indian Navy.