Chikkamagaluru: Three teachers who helped a govt school nearing closure due to dwindling enrolment invested more than Rs 3 lakh from their own pockets to transform the century-old institution, which today has 160 students on its rolls and is giving nearby private schools stiff competition.The school in Lakkavalli established in 1917, was merged with a nearby govt school in 2012 because of low student strength of 75 and other reasons.When HB Anandamurthy, Geethamani and Asha joined the school on additional charge in June 2014, they were concerned by its condition. Along with local residents and former students, they appealed to then MLA GH Srinivas to revive the institution. Their efforts paid off when the school reopened on June 1, 2014.The teachers then worked towards improving the school and invested over Rs 3 lakh in developing its infrastructure. Today, the campus has smart and digital classrooms, educational software from Teach Next, a laboratory, a playground, an auditorium, drinking water facilities, toilets, a kitchen, and a separate dining hall. Residents say the facilities are comparable to those in private schools.The turnaround has helped win parents’ confidence, with many voluntarily enrolling their children at the school. It currently has 160 students, and teachers expect admissions to rise further.Locals said the teachers’ commitment went beyond a professional association, with many developing an emotional bond with the institution and working to restore it to its former standing.“Saving a govt school is not just about saving a building. It is like saving the future of thousands of children,” said Mohan, secretary of the Old Students’ Association.“We are indebted to the teachers here. For us, the school is another home,” he said.Deputy director for public instructions Thimmaraju said the credit for the school’s transformation should go to the teachers and their collective sense of responsibility.
