Army run schools in Jammu and Kashmir providing the gift of education to children

Srinagar, Oct 26 (ANI): Under the 'sadbhavana' programme of the Indian Army many schools have been constructed in the rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

The schools have been constructed in the earthquake-hit areas of Kupwara district, almost 190 kilometres from the state's provincial capital, Srinagar.

After the massive earthquake of 2005, that ravaged the area and claimed more than 1000 lives, education and other basic social facilities were scarce in the region. The Indian Army constructed the schools which have proved a boon to the children.

Apart from children, the programme has also been instrumental in providing employment to the numerous teachers of the region.

"After the 2005 earthquake, the Indian Army constructed a modern village here. And during that period, they also constructed this school for us. This allowed the local teachers a source of employment and it also took education to the next level, compared to other schools. Students from as far 10 kilometres come to study in this school," said Masqood Ahmad, in-charge of the school in Tithwal.

The school, now in its fourth year, has witnessed steady growth both in stature and in strength. Ahmad informed that after having started with the initial strength of 66, the school has now admitted almost 150 children and continues to expand.

"Initially, we started with strength of 66 children, but we have been able to increase the number to almost 150 students. We have qualified teachers and a well-qualified non-teaching staff. We want this school to move forward. The Indian army and the local commanding officer are also supporting us. We have vehicle facilities, with two vehicles. We have bathroom, drinking water, computer and sports facilities available here," Ahmad added.

The school has enabled the children in the region have access to education and also to sports. The school consists of 10 regular teachers and four non-teaching staff.

"This school is very nice. We have sports facilities, bathroom facilities and well-qualified teachers. I live in the Tithwal village. In our school, we have four non-teaching staff and 10 teachers," said Ishfaq Ahmad, a student of the school. (ANI)