Celine Dias is the headmistress of Government High School in Gaval Khol and is a staunch believer that a good education can change the fortunes of the village. She strives every day to educate the young girls and boys that pass through the school
The Goan: What is the state of education in Gaval Khol?
Celine Dias: The face of this small village is changing fastwith the rejuvenation of the only Government High School five years ago. We getthe credit of being the first government high school in Canacona taluka to get100 per cent result in the last 40 years. This was in 2009.
TG: How did you achieve this?
CD: We opted for the prevocational subject of cooking. Thishad a theory and practical paper in which all passed. One of our studentsShilpa Sutar stood first in March 2010, in all the 11 schools in Goa that optedfor this subject.
TG: What’s the strength of your school?
CD: With 67 girls and 61 boys, the school has a total of 128students and 15 dedicated staff. Our students are excellent in sports. Poor buthealthy, ten of them walk eight kilometres from Bondom in Quepem talukaeveryday as there is no primary school there.
TG: What are the requirements of your school?
CD: We need Balrath buses to help more children come to ourschool. The school has 8,000 sq metres of land but no well-developed playgroundor a hall to conduct school functions.
TG: Are the parents taking interest in school activities?
CD: Our Parents Teachers Association (PTA) is very strongand active. Though 90 per cent of the parents are illiterate, PTA meetings have100 per cent presence. This picture is very heart warming.
TG: What was the condition of the school when you joined?
CD: There was not a drop of water in the school five yearsago. The first thing I had to do was to get a plumber and start the supply ofwater in two days as the place was stinking. ONGC has helped our school andthey keep donating whatever we require.
