The Hindu 26.08.2009
Municipal schools turning a new leaf
G.V.R. Subba Rao
Philanthropists respond to plea made by the VMC to adopt a school each
— PHOTO: RAJU V 
Govindarajulu Dharma Enam Trust Municipal high school being given a new look with the help of sponsors, in Vijayawada.
VIJAYAWADA: Municipal schools in Vijayawada may no longer present the familiar sight of students taking lessons under the shade of trees or on the damaged floors. These schools are likely to have facilities on a par with corporate schools.
White boards, desk type benches, water filters in each room, window and door curtains and vitrified tile flooring are some of the discernible features that would not be missed by visitors.
Some philanthropists have responded to a plea made by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation to adopt a school each. Some charitable trusts and Rotary clubs have expressed willingness to adopt these schools. Currently, a school at Patamata is being given the facelift, and it is likely to be ready in a week.
The city-based Manasa Charitable Trust is one of the first few organisations to respond to the plea and act as well. The trust has adopted Govindarajulu Dharma Enam Trust Municipal Corporation High School at Patamata and it is refurbishing the classrooms and the school premises. Four ceiling fans, tube lights, water filters, white boards and desk type benches are being provided in each class room. The VMC conceived the idea of pooling all resources (donations) and developing one school in a full-fledged manner, as the officials have observed that the sharing of the charities by many schools is not benefiting anyone fully. “We gave them (donors) broad guidelines. And, they have to decide budget and designs. We expect the Patamata school to become an indicator for future donations. And if anyone wishes to improvise, they are welcome,” says P. S. Pradyumna, Municipal Commissioner.
G. Nanda Kishore of Manasa Charitable Trust is not willing to speak on budget. “It’s a charity. All we want is to develop these schools. We will develop six schools in a phased manner,” he says.
The Corporation has selected six schools by following some criterion like pass percentage in SSC in previous academic years, availability of playground, number of class rooms and so on.