Sundargarh: “Earlier we used to sit on old desks and benches while teachers used the blackboard to teach us. Now, our school has transformed totally. We sit in modern well-lit classrooms and use smartboards for learning. It helps us learn and understand our lessons easily,” says Pratibha Saura, a student of Class X at the Meghdega Govt High School in Sundargarh district.
Similarly, another Class X student at Deokaranpur Govt High School in Sundargarh, Devraj Mahanandia shares, “Our school has got a modern science lab as part of the High School Transformation Programme. The equipment that we used to see in textbooks earlier, is now available at our disposal for hands-on learning. This makes the lessons more interesting and increases our zeal for studying.”
Like Pratibha from Meghdega and Devraj from Deokaranpur, many students studying in government high schools in the tribal majority Sundargarh district now have a chance at better career opportunities unlocked with the help of High School Transformation Programme under 5T.
With a total makeover of schools as part of the state government’s flagship High School Transformation Programme under 5T, the high school students have got wings to their dreams and can aspire to become future doctors, engineers, scientists, teachers, bureaucrats, etc. The High School Transformation Programme is a unique programme under the 5T initiative. School infrastructure is being made anew and surroundings beautified as part of High School Transformation. The provision of the smart classroom, advanced science lab, ICT Lab and e-Library, modern library, separate toilets for boys and girls, and development of playground and sports infrastructure are various facets of the High School Transformation Programme. Sundargarh district has 383 government high schools.
Among the same, 21 high schools managed under the ST & SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare department and ITDA Sundargarh sport a fresh look and new ambiance. This has roused the interest of tribal students and infused new zeal for studies among them. High schools functioning under the aegis of Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) Sundargarh have been equipped with modern science labs. Special attention is being paid to orient students in various streams such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) right from the high school level.
With modern science labs, students now get a chance to physically experiment with various equipment, tools, and models and learn hands-on. Telescope and microscope, human body model, plant and animal cell model, metal separator, etc have been provided in these STEM model science labs for use by the students.
Similarly, for various science experiments, robotics kits, electronic kits, etc are also being provided. “All government high schools of Sundargarh functioning under the ST & SC Development department have been renovated. This has helped provide a new avenue of learning for tribal students in the district. Modern science labs, ICT labs, and other interventions have helped to build students’ dreams for a better career opportunity,” says Pabitra Mohan Pradhan, District Welfare Officer, Sundargarh. Additionally, all these high schools feature a functional Information & Communication Technology (ICT) lab. The students are getting trained in computer education right from the high school level.
Moreover, students can use the internet at these labs and avail of e-Library facilities. Similarly, the high schools in Sundargarh district now sport lush green playgrounds.
Apart from providing quality education, the students are now being groomed to represent Odisha at the national level. Besides, safe drinking water and clean toilets have been provided for the students as well as teachers. “High School Transformation Programme is one of the state government’s long-term vision and action plans. The program has not only revamped the teaching and learning methodology in government high schools but also created opportunities for students to develop their skills in various domains. The modern learning pedagogy implemented through the initiative will be a catalyst to fulfilling the career dreams of students,” says Karna Majhi, headmaster of Deokaranpur Govt High School, Sundargarh.
Till now, in 2 phases, 247 transformed high schools have been dedicated to the people in the tribal-dominated Sundargarh district. 21 high schools supported by ITDA Sundargarh have also been dedicated to the same. As part of the High School Transformation Programme, the school infrastructure is being augmented while the school boundary and walls are being painted to look more attractive. The paintings and quotes of legendary figures like Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Madhusudan Das, Gopandhu Das, Gangadhar Meher and Bhima Bhoi etc adorning the walls of various government high schools in Sundargarh district has turned to a source of inspiration for students.