Porta cabin school mechanism

DANTEWADA: The Dantewada district is predominantly tribal. Despite the approved budget for construction of school buildings, the administration had failed to construct and open schools in remote areas as the extremists opposed construction of concrete buildings which could be used by security forces to wage a counter offensive. During the annual planning exercise in FY 2008, the state had proposed temporary prefabricated bamboo structures for construction of schools in roadside areas with a residential capacity for 500 children along with teachers. These structures were called “portable” as it was thought that once peace was established, the schools could again be placed or “ported” in their villages.

Each “Porta Cabin” has LCD TV with satellite TV connection along with interactive learning packages, DVD players, sound systems and learning CD ROMs etc. Voluntary organisations like UNICEF, Tomorrow’s Foundation, Vigyan Ashram, Room to Read, Pratham, BachpanBanao etc, also contributed to making the process of learning enjoyable and helped in delivering quality education. Bamboo being cheaper and locally available, also provided employment to locals. In a way, the villagers found it safe to have children in the schools rather than being at homes. The “Porta Cabin School Mechanism” offered child protection in child-friendly schools, as well as a chance to secure peace in the long run.