Mangaluru government school admits 110 kids to class 1

MANGALURU: At a time when government schools are being shut down across the country because of low enrolment, this 44-year-old institution in a remote village in Bantwal taluk scripted history by admitting 110 students to class 1 from April 20 to May 1 this year. Reason: Upgraded basic facilities and introduction of English in 2016.
The Government Higher Primary School in Daddalkad, 35km from Mangaluru, also recorded 134 admissions to UKG and LKG this year. This has now forced the school authorities to divide LKG, UKG and class 1 into multiple sections for the first time. The school which was in a dilapidated condition had only 30 students in 2016. This year, the school aims to admit over 800 students from LKG to class 8.
Once on the verge of closure, Shree Durga Friends Club adopted the school and revived it. Without any government grants, the local club mobilised funds through donations to build basic infrastructure facilities in the school.
Today, the school is smartclass enabled and conducts free yoga, dance, karate, music and sports classes.
“The admission numbers may go up due to demand from parents. We are not turning down any requests,” club president Prakash Anchan said. He also heads Sarkari Shaale Ulisi Belesi (protect and promote government schools) forum.
“All those parents who sent their kids to private schools are now admitting them to Daddalkad government school. All the facilities in the school are free and we also have four vehicles to ferry students,” headmaster Maurice D’Souza said. More facilities will be added after the third phase of infrastructure work is complete. Local groups and parents are also helping the school in construction activities.