In a heartening development for the residents of Khudayi Chak and Chandigarh Channa in Sidhwan Bet 2, two long-dormant government primary schools have sprung back to life. After more than seven years of inactivity, the schools reopened on April 1, welcoming an initial enrollment of 25 students at each institution.
The revival of these community schools marks a significant turnaround that experts say will have far-reaching benefits for the local area. Ravinder Kaur, the District Education Officer, explained that the prolonged closure was due to a severe shortage of teaching staff. However, a recent initiative by the state government led to the appointment of 300 new teachers, enabling the district education department to assign two permanent, albeit temporarily deputed, teachers to each of the reopened schools.
“This moment is truly remarkable for the Education Department, the villages, and most importantly, the students,” Kaur remarked during her visit with a team dedicated to facilitating the admissions process. The presence of these teachers promises not only immediate academic support but also a renewed hope for sustainable educational development in the area.
Local villagers have expressed their heartfelt satisfaction with the reopening. Gurmel Singh, a respected elder in the community, highlighted the challenges that families had faced when the schools were closed. “The absence of local teachers meant our children had to travel to neighboring villages for education, which was a real hardship for many families. Now, with the schools open right here in our villages, it feels like a silver lining,” he commented.
The positive response from the community reflects a broader commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in rural regions. In line with this vision, plans are already underway to open another government primary school in Balloke village. “We are working diligently on the building preparations, and the new school is expected to be operational soon,” Kaur added.
This rejuvenation of local educational facilities is not just a step toward academic improvement; it also represents a significant stride in community empowerment. By providing children with access to education in their own villages, local authorities are addressing long-standing issues of accessibility and convenience for parents. The reopening of these schools heralds a new chapter in the educational landscape of Sidhwan Bet 2, one that promises a brighter future for its young learners and the community at large.
