For pupils its a fresh start at Wayanad township school

Kozhikode: State govt's decision to shift Kalpetta GLP School to the township built for landslide survivors at Elstone Estate has brought relief and excitement to students and parents of the British-era school that had struggled with space for generations.On Thursday, a group of curious students travelled to the township site with their teachers to catch a glimpse of their new campus. They came a day after they received letters from CM Pinarayi Vijayan confirming that the school would be shifted to the township. For the children, the letter felt like a dream taking shape.For over a century, the school built on 21 cents had left little space for children to play. With 156 students on its rolls, the campus struggled with space constraints. Authorities said even the child rights commission had directed that the school be relocated. The school community had petitioned the govt and the municipality for decades for a new campus. But the demand remained unrealized until the construction of the township opened a new possibility.During the inauguration of its first phase, Vijayan had publicly voiced the possibility of shifting the school there. Encouraged by his words, students wrote letters expressing their happiness and requesting that the process be expedited. They were delighted when he gave individual replies."Your school will be shifted to the township. Study happily and keep us informed of your progress," he wrote, adding that the children would soon be able to learn and play in a beautiful environment, leaving behind the difficult memories associated with the disaster.Teacher Musthafa E said the school was established in 1905 under Malabar District Board when Wayanad was part of Madras Presidency during British rule. "In early days, there was open land around the school. Today it is surrounded by multi-storeyed buildings, raising safety concerns related to access. There is no space for more classrooms or a playground," he said.Teachers said relocating the school will not only transform learning conditions but also benefit families moving into the 410 houses at the township. Headmistress Bindu, PTA president Mehaboob and other teachers accompanied the students during the visit.