From attached toilets to AC classrooms: This government school is going smart

ALAPPUZHA: An air-conditioned classroom to study in, with separate toilets for boys and girls right next to it. There’s no blackboard — instead, a smart TV that works as a digital board. Even the dining room has AC and a TV. Punnapra Government C.Y.M.A U.P. School isn’t just smart- it’s super smart.

The modernisation project began with the seventh-grade classroom, an idea by Punnapra South Panchayat President P.G. Cyrus. The classroom was built using Rs 13 lakh from the panchayat’s own fund.

The school currently has 73 students, with only 11 students (6 girls and 5 boys) in class seven. Years ago, over a thousand children studied here. The panchayat hopes that the new modern facilities will attract more students next year. More classrooms will also be upgraded soon.

Children of ordinary people

The idea came from a discussion on how to prevent urinary infections among girl students. Most children studying here are from the families of fishermen, farmers, and daily-wage workers.

“We wanted to give these children the best facilities possible,” said Headmistress Linsey Thomas.

“The thought was to bring the comfort of home into the classroom. Both students and teachers are very happy,”

— P.G. Cyrus, President, Punnapra South Panchayat.