Holidays hit cleanliness drive in city’s schools

The fortnight of holidays for Bathukamma and Dasara have foiled the plans of schools to conduct cleanliness drives which they normally do so in association with Gandhi Jayanti. Schools conduct the cleanliness drives during the week leading up to October 2.

Ms Usha Reddy, principal of Meridian School said, “Our plans went for a toss with the state government’s announcement. We ensure that our children are given activities according to their grade during Gandhi Jayanti and the week before that. Talks are conducted about the relevance of non-violence, the importance of truth and other virtues that are associated with Gandhi.”

She stated that children were very enthusiastic to undertake cleanliness drives. “We stress on the importance of cleanliness and ensure that the children do their bit for the school’s overall cleanliness,” Ms Reddy said.

Sanghamitra School in Hyderabad used to organise a ‘Joy of Giving’ week leading to Gandhi Jayanti and students were expected to bring food, clothes and other items to hand out to the needy. Ms G. Arundhati, an official from the school, said, “It is really unfortunate that Gandhi Jayanti came after the Dasara and Bathukamma holidays. On Gandhi Jayanti, our students lend a helping held to the sanitation staff. They let the staff take a break and sweep the classes and school premises.” The plantation drive normally conducted during the week has been postponed. With the tight exam schedule, school officials claim that rushed revision is needed and the cleanliness drive will have to be planned properly. “A cleanliness drive on Gandhi Jayanti brings the students closer to the importance of hygiene that was always stressed by Gandhi,” said Ms Arundhati.

Parents across the state also share the woes of schools.

Mr Lakshmi Rao, a parent, said, “Although it is a holiday, my child would voluntarily go to school on October 2. Cleanliness drives are a way for students to bond and laern the importance of hygiene. I hope all schools will be able to conduct the same after reopening. Students should also learn how to pick up after themselves.”