A teacher can dare to bring a positive change in his students. Such is the story of Angad Salame, who was appointed in ‘Naveen Prathmik Shala’ (New Primary School) in Munjal village of the district in an insurgency infested area in 2013.
With the constant efforts of Angad, the school surrounded by dense forests was felicitated with ‘A grade’ in Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Quality Education Campaign held in September this year.
Initially, it was a challenge to teach the students as they neither understood Chhattisgarhi dialect or Hindi. “They could understand only the local tribal dialect.
Also, they were unfamiliar to television or vehicle with more than four wheels. It took me months to get them acquainted to chapters in their syllabus. I started citing examples of agriculture to teach them science and mathematics,” said Angad.
“Today, my students are well versed in Chhattisgarhi and Hindi. Since the school runs from standard first to fifth and there is no reputed secondary school within the premises. The school pass outs take the classes of juniors during evening hours. They are also aware of operating computers,” he added.
Angad even highlighted the personality development of his students due to the enhancement in academic culture. “My students are now appreciated for their confidence level,” he said.
Sources claimed the school functioning since 1995 was running for namesake. In 2013-14 there were 40 students which increased to 53 students in the ongoing session.
There was hardly one teacher for 40 students, when Angad came. With the support of his colleague, he was able to mark the positive development.
Rajnandgaon District Collector Mukesh Bansal told The Pioneer, he was impressed by the transformation brought by Angad in the insurgency hit government school.
“Angad Salame did a notable work and he not only inspired the rural students to learn but also encouraged the parents to promote their children for education. We often invite him as motivator in the workshops organised exclusively for teachers,” said Bansal.
Asked what other issues are ignored in the school, Angad felt the school needs more attention from the government’s side.
“I am satisfied to work for the children. Similar, behaivour is expected from the Block Education Officers (BEOs) of this locality who rarely visit our school and inquire about the hurdles dealt by our fraternity. It is highly required,” he said.