KOCHI: 15 students from other states are studying Malayalam in Kothamangalam Nellikuzhi Govt School, thanks to their teacher Arshi Salim, a native of Uttar Pradesh.

Arshi teaches science and mathematics in the class of Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK). 21-year-old Arshi, who studied in Malayalam media since Class 4, was recruited as an Education Volunteer (EV) as the students were unable to access online education.

Her father Salim is a sculptor in a furniture company in Nellikuzhi. He brought his family to Kerala 12 years ago. The family then settled in Kerala. Arshi and her brothers were enrolled in a government school. Initially, she found it extremely difficult to learn Malayalam letters and words. However, she did not give up. With the help of her teachers and friends, she was able to learn the language within a short period. Arshi can now read and write Malayalam. The pandemic began soon after she completed her Plus Two. Following this, her father lost his job and the family was in dire straits. Arshi was preparing to return to UP when she got a call from SSK.

"At home, I talk with my brothers in Malayalam. Initially, my mother did not understand our secrets. Now, she has also learned Malayalam," Arshi says.

Arshi plans to build a house on the land bought by her father in Uttar Pradesh. She is setting aside a portion of her salary to realise this dream.