Alarming need to recheck the schools

Kerala which recently has set an example of improving the conditions of its schools into pro-students one has also ringed an alarm of need to focus much more on the basic amenities that are to be made available for the students thus transforming the schools into ideal ones. 

The positive initiative which was introduced by Mr.Jenil John, the Physical education teacher of St.Joseph Upper Primary School of Kerala is the noble idea of ringing the ‘Water bell’ in schools. This initiative was the result of a normal student meeting where he found the students to go on sick leaves often which created a serious suspicion in his mind. Being a national level handball player, John found this issue to be related to the health and fitness of the students.

As he doubted the students’ medical reports shockingly revealed that they were suffering from hydration and kidney stone disorders. This is because of the lack of intake of the necessary amount of water. Students either were ignorant of drinking water or skipped deliberately to avoid going to toilets in mid of the class sessions. So John introduced a system called ‘Water bell’ where the bell will be ringed three times a day at 10.30, 12 and 2 o’clock for the students to drink water.

This initiative is well received by other states which were reflected when the system of ‘Water bell’ was introduced in the schools of Karnataka by the Primary Education Minister by making it mandatory. Following the footsteps of Kerala and Karnataka now the system is being followed in the states of Telangana and Odisha too. Soon this initiative will be made compulsory in all schools throughout India.

While applauding this noble initiative, one more incident that took place in a school of Wayanad of Kerala was so disappointing where a 10-year-old girl Shehala who was bitten by a snake which was hiding in a small hole in the classroom later died due to the ignorance of her teacher. The shocking part of the news was as the teacher came to know about the incident instead of giving first aid to the girl she ignored and refused to take the student to the hospital, even after Shehala and her friends pleaded her to do so.

The students of a class are the responsibility of the teachers of the class. When I was in school there used to be a sick room separately for the students who fall sick suddenly and an attendant will be there to give first aid to the students till their parents arrive. But nowadays I could not even witness first aid kit in school premises which is actually mandatory on the part of the schools. The amenities like the first aid kit and fire extinguisher must be made compulsory before giving license to the schools to operate.

To avoid such incidents, strict monitoring is necessary to check the schools regarding the provision of medical aid to their students. The sick rooms should be also made mandatory in every school along with one or two attendants with medical certification. The teachers should be imparted training in giving first aid to the students at such unprecedented accidents. Regular inspections should be done by Government officials. Also, the parents must ensure such facilities before admitting their kids in schools. Studies of students are important but safety is essential even more.

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