UDUPI: Two government schools in Kundapur have managed to get a vibrant makeover during this weekend due to the efforts of Bengaluru-based Kannada Manasugalu Pratisthana (KMP) volunteers. KMP had launched ‘Sarkari Shale Ulisi’ (save government schools) campaign in 2019.
KMP president Pavan Daragundi said, “Under the campaign, we have been working towards providing basic infrastructure. The schools for the makeover are selected by a committee and based on certain criteria. One being that the school must not have been painted for the last decade or is completely dilapidated. We work on the weekends till the mission is complete and have officially completed 11 schools so far. Though there are about 150 volunteers, about 50-70 members participate in this campaign and travel in a bus.”
On January 29 and 30, the volunteers worked at the Higher Primary school Karkunje and a lower primary school in Kodladi.
Pavan said, “Initially the challenges were many. When we launched this campaign, we had a tough time raising funds and we did not receive support from the locals too. Over the years, the situation has changed with several donors coming forward. We currently have requests from 50 schools within the state and outside. Suriya Foundation and many sandalwood stars have joined our campaign. Actress Neetu Shetty had volunteered in Kundapur,” he said.
The makeover includes painting the school, providing fans, lights, projector, printer, water filter and electrical works. They raise up to Rs 2.5 lakh for each school.
“We also have success stories. Soon after we took up a school in Kadambar in Kasaragod, the Kerala government sanctioned Rs 2 crore for its development. Similarly, we have been an inspiration to several likeminded groups, who have launched similar campaigns. Admissions in schools that received a facelift has improved,” he said.
Arun Paints from JP Nagar gives the team paint on concession. Similarly, Vinod Gowda sponsors water filters. The painting is mostly warli art for the compound wall and they try to keep the local flavor for the school walls.
Cartoon characters find a place on the walls of the anganwadi and Nali Kali classrooms. Artist Yellapa Y Kumbara is also part of the team. They hope to complete 20 schools by September, which also marks KMP’s fifth anniversary, for which they plan to document the work and present it before the government.
KMP president Pavan Daragundi said, “Under the campaign, we have been working towards providing basic infrastructure. The schools for the makeover are selected by a committee and based on certain criteria. One being that the school must not have been painted for the last decade or is completely dilapidated. We work on the weekends till the mission is complete and have officially completed 11 schools so far. Though there are about 150 volunteers, about 50-70 members participate in this campaign and travel in a bus.”
On January 29 and 30, the volunteers worked at the Higher Primary school Karkunje and a lower primary school in Kodladi.
Pavan said, “Initially the challenges were many. When we launched this campaign, we had a tough time raising funds and we did not receive support from the locals too. Over the years, the situation has changed with several donors coming forward. We currently have requests from 50 schools within the state and outside. Suriya Foundation and many sandalwood stars have joined our campaign. Actress Neetu Shetty had volunteered in Kundapur,” he said.
The makeover includes painting the school, providing fans, lights, projector, printer, water filter and electrical works. They raise up to Rs 2.5 lakh for each school.
“We also have success stories. Soon after we took up a school in Kadambar in Kasaragod, the Kerala government sanctioned Rs 2 crore for its development. Similarly, we have been an inspiration to several likeminded groups, who have launched similar campaigns. Admissions in schools that received a facelift has improved,” he said.
Arun Paints from JP Nagar gives the team paint on concession. Similarly, Vinod Gowda sponsors water filters. The painting is mostly warli art for the compound wall and they try to keep the local flavor for the school walls.
Cartoon characters find a place on the walls of the anganwadi and Nali Kali classrooms. Artist Yellapa Y Kumbara is also part of the team. They hope to complete 20 schools by September, which also marks KMP’s fifth anniversary, for which they plan to document the work and present it before the government.
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