Special classes for schoolkids at Ferozepur relief camps

To ensure that education does not suffer due to floods, the Ferozepur district administration has started special classes for schoolchildren currently living in relief camps.

Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma said the move aimed at not only ensuring the continuation of their learning but also keep them “mentally resilient and engaged during chaotic times”. “While the students in towns have access to online classes, these children have been bereft of the same,” added Sharma.

At the relief camps set up in village Bareke, Fatehgarh Sabhran, Dulchi Ke and Bagge Wala, anganwadi workers are also conducting “fun activities” for children aged 2 to 6.

District Programme Officer (DPO) Richika Nanda said almost 80 children were attending such sessions daily.

The children attend classes from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm, with an additional one-hour session in the evening.

Apart from that, arrangements for activities like drawing and colouring, music and sports have been made.

Even swings and play facilities have been arranged to keep the children motivated. “Each centre has two Anganwadi workers, two helpers and a supervisor, while special booths have been set up for mothers with infants to ensure comfort during feeding,” said the DPO.

Rajni Khanna, a teacher working at Government Senior Secondary School in Bareke said 42 children were attending her daily classes, covering subjects like mathematics, English, Hindi, Punjabi, science and social studies.

“Despite the loss of our crops and the worries on our parents’ faces, coming to these classes makes us feel positive and brings back a sense of normal life,” said Amandeep Kaur, a Class IX student from Tindiwala.

Class X student Pinki said attending lessons in the relief camp had kept their studies on track. Satinder Singh, Deputy DEO (Secondary), said two teachers from nearby schools were deputed on rotational basis daily to teach in the camps and also impart moral values and life skills on overcoming challenges.

“The parents and students have widely appreciated this initiative,” he said.