Guru Griho

From Pabna

New Centenarian: Krishnapur

Ahmed Humayun Kabir Topu

Krishnapur Government Girls' School is one of the oldest schools in Pabna district. It celebrated its 100th birthday on October 29, 2008. The school gained government approval in 1989.

However, huge problems including the shortage of classrooms, administrative buildings and the scarcity of teachers is hindering the potential of the school. The school was established in 1908 at the village of Krishnapur in the municipality area of the district headquarter. It was started by Mogreb Ali Munshi.

General academic studies started in 1910. The school was being run inside a house. Later Joynob Khatun (She is still alive at 95 years of age) donated land in 1942 for the school. Then the school was named Krishnapur Girls School.

After gaining government approval in 1989, a new high school was builtfrom classes six to ten. It still lacks in sufficient facilities though. The school has immense problems. Though it is a government school it has no administrative building. “We are unfortunate that though we are working in a government school we don't have an office. There is no administrative building.

During the survey it has been learnt that there are just 7 classrooms in the school though there are 400 girls are studying in the school. At least 80 to 90 students are attending classes in each class room, school sources said.

Though it is a government school there is no common room for the students. There is no separate computer lab and no school auditorium. There is just one room that is used as a science laboratory where physics, chemistry, biology, home economics and other practical classes are taught.

There are no residential facilities for the teachers and students. There is no residence for the headmistress or other teachers. Not only is there a scarcity of infrastructure but there is also a teacher crisis. The school is run only with 12 teachers and a headmaster.

At least 23 teachers are needed if the school is to run fairly smoothly. The position of assistant headmaster has been vacant since 2003. There is no computer in the school.

The school authorities have informed of all these problems to the higher authorities many times but no steps have been taken yet. Recently the facilities department has submitted a plan of Tk 1.5 core for the infrastructural development.

The students of this school also complained of their problems. “We don't have the scope of library work. We are also suffering from a shortage of classrooms,” said Rajufa Sultana, a student of class 8. In spite of all these problems, the teachers are very co-operative.

Regarding the lackluster academic performance, the authorities said they were trying their best. “79 students have appeared in the SSC examination this year while 65 were passed. 3 got GPA-5. The average result is better than of other years. We are trying to do better,” the headmistress told.

Amid huge problems the school authorities have observed the 100-year anniversary on October 29. A colourful rally was brought out from the school.

ADC Mezbah Uddin, District Education Officer Kutub Uddin and 95 years old woman Joynab Khatun who donated land for the school took part in the rally.

Conscious people of the district said that if the authorities take proper initiative to develop the school then the school would be one of the best schools of the northern region. “If the proper steps are taken for the development of the school it would solve the admission crises for the better schools too,” Gopal Sannayal, a leading cultural activist said.

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