Egmore: How a govt school was transformed

Chennai: The moment mention is made of a government school, an institution with inadequate facilities, lack of restrooms and unkempt classrooms is visualised.  The Presidency girls higher secondary school at Egmore, however, begs to differ. Its brightly coloured walls, neat classrooms, clean restrooms and a huge playground tell a different tale - thanks to Ms Nidhya Guham.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Ms Guham, correspondent, AVM Matriculation higher secondary school, says, "The Presidency government higher secondary school is one of the oldest schools in the city. However, the school was in a very bad state and the strength of students had fallen drastically. So when the school education department approached me to help revamp the school I readily agreed."

"Helping with education is helping build a life. Everyone should come forward and take part in such initiatives. The future of a nation lies with its students", she explains about her decision to take up this project.

She has worked closely with the school to upgrade its standards and to incorporate as many beneficial educational programmes and activities. The school now has colourful classrooms, clean restrooms with an incinerator, napkin vending machines and a housekeeping department to maintain the restrooms. A playground with a basketball court, volleyball court, tennikoit court and 150 metres track is also being constructed by the Tamil Nadu police housing corporation.

3 middle schools benefit from Project 100 schools
The Madras Mylapore Round Table (MMRT), in association with Madras Mylapore Ladies Circle (MMLC), has completed refurbishment work at three middle schools located in in Sholinganallur, Anjur and Navallur. This project was assigned to them as a part of "Cognizant Outreach Programme -Project 100 Schools".

'Project 100 schools' is one of the initiatives undertaken by Madras Mylapore LadiesCircle and Madras Mylapore Round Table to provide a pleasant and impactful learning atmosphere for the children. Under the project, the teams undertook a number of refurbishment activities including painting and installation of new tiles for the classrooms, provision of hand wash area, renovation of old windows and toilets, revamping of electrical wiring and fittings and waterproofing of buildings. Fans, lights and PA systems were also provided to the schools under this programme.

Speaking about the project, MMRTChairman Tr Vijay Srinivas of Round Table India, said, "It was a proud moment for all of us, we believe education plays a vital role in not only reducing poverty but also empowers children to improve their socio-economic conditions of their families."

Dr Vani Vijay, Chairperson, MMLC said, "In this fast paced world, none of us have fulfilment in life, helping underserved children will not only give you happiness but also charisma in life. Moreover, it was wonderful to see children enjoying their new facility and we take this as a step towards bringing more of such initiatives".The project was completed at a cost of Rs 45.41 lakh and 1,410 children are expected to benefit from it.