Admission numbers low, but revamp gives hope

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While schools across the state are gearing up to celebrate the arrival of newcomers, Government High School in Vanchiyoor, one of the oldest schools in the city, is reopening without much fanfare.
There is only one confirmed new student to Class I and two likely admissions to Class IV and Class VIII. They are expected to join on Thursday.
According to headmaster AS Biju, the admission figureshave been less for years, and this year wasno exception. The authorities, however, are hopeful. The almost 80-year-old school is finally undergoing a r evamp after being neglected for so long.
A building near the entrance has been demolished for a new one to come up in its place with classrooms and a school lab.
“The admission numbers wer e gradually decreasing over the years. Currently, we have about 25 students in total fromClass I to X. The lack of facilities compared to other hightech schools in the city is one reason for this. In a relief to us, the corporation is demolishing the old building as per court order," he said. The Rs 50 lakh modernization project involves the construction of eight new classrooms and a lab.
Four classrooms have been arranged in a hall at the back of the school for the students so that they can carry on with their studies till the new classrooms are completed. “ The construction of the new building will begin as soon as the demolition works are over," said Vanchiyoor ward councillor Gayathri Babu.