Wayanad Children Resume Schooling After Landslides with Support from Kerala Government
Wayanad: Amidst the recovery from the devastating landslides that struck Wayanad on July 30, children from the affected areas of Mundakkai and Vellarmala were seen returning to their studies on Monday, marking a hopeful step towards normalcy.
The young students, freshly dressed in new uniforms, were visibly relieved and enthusiastic as they boarded state-run buses for their journey from the landslide-ravaged Chooralmala town to the nearby Meppadi. This marks their first return to schooling after a hiatus of over a month, during which they had been grappling with the loss of their homes, schools, and in some cases, their classmates.
The landslides had severely damaged the Mundakkai GLPS and Vellarmala GVHSS schools, resulting in the tragic loss of several young lives. In response, the Kerala government, through the General Education Department, has established temporary classrooms in Meppadi to ensure that the education of the displaced students continues without further interruption.
Over 600 children from the affected schools were welcomed back to their studies with a festive spirit, including colorful ceremonies and a warm reception. Temporary classrooms have been set up in the government higher secondary school and the local panchayat community hall, fully equipped with fresh furniture and study materials.
General Education Minister V. Sivankutty, along with other officials, participated in the reopening ceremony, which was marked by a band performance and the distribution of sweets. Minister Sivankutty emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting the children through their recovery and education, while Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure that no child’s education is compromised due to the disaster.
While many students, like Mohammed Shahid of class VI, expressed hope and determination to overcome the trauma through their studies, others like Ajmal, a 9th grader, were still grappling with their emotions. The community’s support remains crucial as these children adapt to their new learning environment.
The Kerala government’s efforts underscore its commitment to restoring normalcy and providing a brighter future for the young survivors of the Wayanad landslides, which claimed over 200 lives and inflicted significant damage on July 30.
