Photo: Messenger
Krishnapur Government Primary School in Phulbaria Upazila of Mymensingh has been grappling with an absence of students for almost five years. The institution, which should be bustling with the energy of young learners, paints a stark picture of emptiness.
The alarming situation came to light during the recently conducted annual examination, where only two students, Iman Chandra Roy in 4th grade and Jeevan Chandra Roy in 5th grade, were present. This small attendance stands in stark contrast to the stipends being awarded to 60 students from the school.
Sabbir Hossain, an assistant teacher at Krishnapur Government Primary School, candidly admitted the stark reality of the school's current state. "The number of students in the school is less," remarked Hossain. This scarcity is evident not only in the examination halls but also in the daily life of the school.
The head teacher, Nazrul Islam, is currently on a three-month medical leave, and another assistant teacher, Mostafizur Rahman, is engaged in a year-long training program. With only two remaining teachers, one male and one female, the school is facing a significant dearth of both staff and students.
As per the official records, the school claims to have around 120 students on paper. However, during the religious examination, only two students were found to be actively participating. One of the students expressed the somber reality, stating that there are only eight students listed in the attendance book for the 5th grade. The two brothers, Iman and Jeevan, who are attending the annual exam, voiced their desire to study but lamented the absence of fellow students, creating a sense of isolation.
This concerning scenario is not unique to Krishnapur Government Primary School alone. Reports indicate that half of the 201 government primary schools in the upazila are grappling with a similar lack of students.
Shahi Dilshan Elen, the Upazila Primary Education Officer, acknowledged being informed about the situation and assured that necessary actions would be taken. He stated that he plans to visit the school on Sunday to assess the ground reality and initiate appropriate measures to address the underlying issues. The fate of Krishnapur Government Primary School reflects a broader challenge within the education system, requiring immediate attention and intervention to ensure a vibrant and effective learning environment for the youth in the region.
Messenger/Fameema
