Govt schools in AP hold welcome programme for students to make first day memorable

Vijayawada: Govt schools across Andhra Pradesh on Friday organised ‘Mana Badi-Mana Panduga’ (Our School-Our Festival), a student welcome programme aimed at creating a child-friendly atmosphere and ensuring a smooth start to the 2026-27 academic year.The school education dept issued detailed guidelines directing schools to organise special welcome programmes for students as institutions reopened on June 12. The initiative seeks to make students feel welcomed, respected and motivated to learn while encouraging regular attendance and retention from the very first day of the academic year.Special focus will be placed on students entering Classes 1, 6, and 9, children who had dropped out of school, never-enrolled children returning to the education system, and students transferred from private schools, or other districts and states.

The programme is also intended to strengthen the participation of parents, school management committees (SMCs), and local communities in school activities.As part of the student welcome programme, schools were instructed to clean and decorate campuses, display welcome banners, and organise cultural activities. Teachers and SMC members were asked to personally invite new students and parents to participate in the reopening celebrations.

The education dept has also introduced a ‘Buddy Student’ concept, under which senior students will guide and support the newcomers and help them adapt to the school environment. Schools were directed to conduct guided campus tours, classroom orientation activities, and parent information sessions.Students were welcomed with flowers, greeting notes, and introductory programmes. The schools have also been asked to distribute textbooks, uniforms, and other learning materials to the new entrants.

Special mid-day meal treats and community participation activities have also been planned.Officials said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that every child feels a sense of belonging in school and begins the academic year in a positive and supportive environment.GFXWELCOME TO YOUR SCHOOLThe ‘Mana Badi–Mana Panduga’ (Our School-Our Festival) programme, an initiative of the school education dept, is aimed at celebrating school reopening days by welcoming students back to the institution in a festive mannerStudents were welcomed by school staff and teachers with flowers, chocolates, and traditional aarti at govt schools across Andhra PradeshThe programme is aimed to encourage full attendance on the first day of the academic year, while reducing absenteeism and dropoutsExtra emphasis on students entering Class I (primary school) and Class VI (high school), particularly those transiting to new campuses for the first time