Want to adopt a school? Dial Education Dept

THE STATE Education department is all set to throw open its basic and primary schools for adoption by private agencies and voluntary organisations. This is, perhaps, for the first time that the department has resolved to formally sign MoU with private organisations that would “addresses the major area of cooperation/activities necessary to fully implement the objectives of Sarva Siksha Abhiyaan”.

The scheme not only aims at strengthening public-private partnership, it will apparently help the schools to propel and provide better education for those studying there. The MoU envisages support to the Parshidiya Primary and Upper Primary schools situated all over the State. The agency will not only help in monitoring the school activities but also strive hard an spread awareness of issues like environment and hygiene.

Rotary International has taken a leap by adopting 100 schools in the State and will sign an MoU with the State government on Saturday, said JS Deepak, secretary, Basic Education. Rotary International will adopt these schools and help in monitoring their activities in the area of student enrolment, attendance, augmentation of water supply and toilets. Besides, they will facilitate in setting up school libraries too.

The adopting agency will not only look after the academic growth, but will also spread awareness of computer learning. Health of students is another key area and Rotary International will carry out health check up camps at regular intervals. “They will also look at the overall development of students and other areas, which are mutually agreed upon,” he said while talking to the Hindustan Times.

The nominated officials representing Rotary International and the Education department will meet at least twice a year to review the success of the programme and to promote the spirit of mutual cooperation. “The MoU will be revised if it requires further expansion and any amendment to this agreement shall be in writing and must have approval of authorised representatives of each party,” sources said.

According to the MoU, Rotary International will ensure that each and every child served by school is enrolled in the school. Rotary will construct toilet complexes and ensure its use. This will be done under the total sanitation campaign of the Panchayati Raj department by providing 10 pc contribution of Rs 4000 per school. In each school, a library will be established to develop the habit of reading amongst the students.

The adopted schools will be given Rotary emblem to be called as Rotary adopted schools. The State government will appoint the authorised person of Rotary International as a special invitee member of the village education committees in the schools of operation.