Attendance, enrolment rise as headmaster revamps rural school in Bagaha

Bettiah: In an example of grassroots educational reform, a headmaster in Bagaha has transformed a govt primary school in West Champaran into a model eco-friendly institution. His efforts have not only improved the quality of education but also restored dignity for children in a marginalised dalit settlement near the India-Nepal border.Lakhan Prasad, headmaster of Govt Primary School, Rohua Tola, under Bagaha-2 block, has gone far beyond conventional teaching duties to strengthen the education system. By regularly visiting students’ homes and motivating parents to send their children to school, he has significantly increased their attendance and also community participation.The school campus reflects a unique blend of innovation and simplicity.

Staircases have been turned into learning tools, with multiplication tables and numbers painted on them. Trees have been transformed into “living classrooms,” tagged with the names of state’s chief ministers and country’s Presidents and Prime Ministers, making general knowledge engaging and accessible.Prasad’s personal commitment to students’ overall well-being is equally noteworthy. He ensures cleanliness among children, even washing their clothes and trimming hair and nails when needed, so that every child can study in a clean environment.

These efforts have received widespread appreciation from the education department. In 2023, he was honoured as the district’s best teacher. Under the 2022-23 Clean Schools Campaign, the school secured the top position among 54 selected schools across 21 districts in the state.“Despite limited resources, our goal is to provide children with quality education in a clean, beautiful, and joyful environment. I was appointed to this school in 2004, when the student strength was just 70.

After that, I began visiting every household to raise awareness about education among parents and children. I also developed the campus into a fully eco-friendly space, creating a nutrition garden and ‘Sita Vatika’ to introduce students to cultural and moral values,” said Prasad.The school walls have also been turned into learning tools, featuring paintings of alphabets, numbers, and general knowledge. As a result of these efforts, student enrolment has increased to 175, most of whom belong to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.Prasad said daily “chetana sabha” sessions are conducted to instil discipline and moral values among the students. The school also has a small library, clean drinking water, and cushioned seating for students.“In addition, I have helped students set up ‘Apna Bank,’ which is managed by them. Children deposit small amounts every month and can take loans for stationery like pens and notebooks, helping them develop habits of saving and responsibility,” he added.Block education officer, Fudan Ram, praised the initiative, stating that the school was declared the best two years. He said Prasad’s work demonstrates how meaningful change often begins with a single committed individual.Local resident Saurabh Kumar said, “Earlier, children in the village spent their time playing or taking care of animals. But Lakhan Sir personally visited homes and encouraged parents to send their children to school. Now, attendance has increased, and children enjoy learning in this eco-friendly environment.”