Government school in Pattathanam reinvents itself, wins international award

KOLLAM: Six years ago, the Government SNDP UP School, Pattathanam, faced a tough situation like many other government schools in the state; it was on the verge of closure owing to shortage of students. Taking it all on their stride the teachers and parents of the school decided to bring back the school to its past glory.
Their concerted efforts bore fruit as in 2011, the school was chosen for 'International School Award' constituted by the British Council in London.A film made by a group of students of the school against the use of plastic 'Urukunna Bhumikku Oru Santhwanam' was honored in many festivals in the state and the film is being repeatedly screened in the Victors channel to promote awareness among other schools against the use of plastics in school premises. For the last three years the school has been getting the best PTA award in the state.
The change the school witnessed in a short span is worth a celebration, feel local residents. The 'souhrida samithy' formed by the locals, teachers and parents of the school is all set to celebrate the achievements in a big way. On Wednesday, there will be a public function at the school which will be inaugurated by minister Shibu Baby John.
"Several initiatives were launched in last six years for improving the condition of the school and to make it a model one. We are now equipped with smart class rooms. Libraries have been established in all the classes in order to nurture the reading habit among the students. This has earned us the 'Kunjunni Mash Vidyalaya Puraskaram' constituted by the Current Books last year," said headmaster R Radhakrishnan, who won the best teacher award in state this year.
He added that the efforts to improve the standards of the school had resulted in many students taking admission in the school. Six years ago, the strength of the school was below 100 and now, 410 students are studying in the school at present.