the goan I network
VASCO
Government High School Sada headmistress Theresa Andrade has sought police patrolling near the school premises, after stating that anti-social elements use the premises to drink at night despite the presence of a watchman at the site.
"I collect baskets of liquor bottles regularly. The watchman is scared at times. I also have young staff who work till the evening," said Andrade, during a meeting with school heads and the chief officer of Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) meeting on Wednesday.
In a shocking revelation, Andrade said a private nursery was allotted a room in the school premises and has random visitors from 9 am to 12 noon.
"Sometimes, I am forced to remain present at the gate to check who is visiting the school premises. I have requested the nursery to have a board indicating the nursery premises and a visitor's register, as people visiting the nursery use our entry and exit points. I can't stop them nor can I risk the lives of my students," said Andrade.
She said the school property was being used by some locals and they had a big iron stand in the school compound where a Narkasura effigy had been made.
"We are surrounded by houses and there is an iron stand in the compound. I am worried that small children may get hurt with the iron stand. Some people in the locality are very supportive, but some houses even throw sanitary napkins in the school compound."
Andrade also pointed out to the presence of two-wheelers and riders near the classrooms, causing congestion at entry points.
"The school has a residential area around and bikes are parked near the school," she said.
Andrade also complained that the school did not have a counsellor as necessary and provided by the government. "We have very good students but there is no counsellor and there is no school compound."
Another teacher of a government school, who was present with Andrade, said she felt there was discrimination between rich students going to other schools and students from poor families attending government schools.
"We may not have funds and facilities like other schools, but yes, our students are good and we have God's support," said the teacher on anonymity.
