Crowning glory: School fetes mothers for their contribution in kids’ education
ACCOLADES School in Kannauj identified mums whose children were regular, punctual, did home work
LUCKNOW: A student getting honoured for good work at school is common. But have you heard of a student’s mother being honoured for doing what she does as part of her everyday responsibilities -- sending the child to school regularly and on time, ensuring that the uniform is clean, shoes polished, hair combed neatly and all homework done?
A primary school in the state has done just this, to strengthen their connection with the students and their families, and keep motivation levels high.
The management of Primary School Kunwarpur Banwari in Kannauj district recognised the efforts of mothers who were working hard with their children back home, and felicitated them at a function organised recently on the institute’s premises.
Twenty mothers were crowned by the school principal, Suman Lata Yadav, 40, in the presence of sub-divisional magistrate Gaurav Shukla. “The school identified mothers of students whose attendance was above 90%, who were punctual, did their homework properly and maintained hygiene,” Yadav said.
“We wanted to recognise the mothers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that their children did well. We feel this will encourage other guardians also to take better care of their wards and a greater interest in their studies. We are hopeful this step will bring about a marked improvement in the academic progress of children,” the principal said.
Anita Devi, mother of Class 3 student Vivek, said, “It was very satisfying when I was crowned. I am sure the competition will be tougher next year.”
Zareena Bengum, mother of Class 5 student Arman, said this was a unique initiative. “No other school in the district has done anything like this,” she said. There are 419 students in the school, including 217 girls. Most of them are first generation learners. Teachers said they take a lot of interest in keeping the students motivated. “In 2009, there were hardly 100 pupils but now, we have crossed the 400 mark,” the principal said.
The management has also dealt with its fair share of problems before witnessing an increase in enrolments. “There was no boundary wall and the surroundings were heavily encroached. Several classrooms were locked or occupied by others. We got them all opened to ensure there was a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning. Today, the school has all facilities that a private school offers, such as, an inverter, furniture and a proper building,” claimed the principal.
Suman Lata Yadav received the ‘Rani Laxmibai Award’ at the hands former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav. She used the award money of Rs 1 lakh to get furniture made for the school as earlier, students used to sit on a ‘dari’ (mat) during classes.