Kolkata, India
In the heart of Kolkata's Tollygunge area stands a testament to resilience and dedication - Sir Nripendra Nath Girls School. Established in 1948, just a year after India's independence, this institution recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. From its beginnings in a small house, the school has evolved into a towering three-story building, reflecting not just growth in infrastructure but also in its rich heritage of education.
With a faculty of 42 passionate educators and an enrollment of 1,100 students, Sir Nripendra Nath Girls School is not merely an educational institution but a nurturing home for young minds. While most students hail from the adjacent locality, the school's reputation for quality education has attracted students from distant parts of Kolkata as well.
The year 2021 brought with it unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the closure of schools, Sir Nripendra Nath Girls School didn't falter in its commitment to progress. The deployment of the Splash project during this period revitalized the school's facilities, ensuring access to clean drinking water, improved sanitation, and enhanced hygiene practices.
However, as the school reopened its doors, Headmistress Mrs. Mamata Banerjee observed a concerning trend among students. Many struggled to adapt to regular offline classes, leading to low attendance and behavioral issues. The student-led cabinet, tasked with maintaining discipline and cleanliness, also found themselves overwhelmed with responsibilities.
A significant challenge emerged as older students misused handwashing and drinking water stations, leading to waterlogging and improper disposal of sanitary napkins. Despite various attempts to address these issues, including discussions with older students, a sustainable solution remained elusive.
In a stroke of ingenuity, Mrs. Banerjee decided to resurrect "Moner Kotha" - a suggestion box feedback mechanism. This initiative provided students with a platform to express their concerns anonymously. Through "Moner Kotha," students voiced their discomfort with unclean toilets and overflowing bins, highlighting the need for immediate action.
Responding promptly, Mrs. Banerjee and her team implemented measures to ensure timely cleaning of toilets and regular emptying of bins. Duties were delegated among cabinet members and house captains to monitor hygiene practices during and after midday meals, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among students.
The success of the feedback mechanism didn't go unnoticed. Sir Nripendra Nath Girls School was honored with the Nirmal Vidyalaya Award in 2018, a testament to its commitment to cleanliness and hygiene.
For Mrs. Banerjee, the journey towards creating a nurturing environment for students is a collective endeavor. With unwavering dedication and innovative solutions, she envisions Sir Nripendra Nath Girls School not just as a place of learning but as a second home for every child.
As Mrs. Banerjee aptly puts it, "We are striving continuously for building hygienic behavior among students and maintaining a child-friendly environment through active participation. With our continuous effort, we are hopeful to make our school a better learning place."