Empowering Himachal’s Youth: How the School Adoption Program is Shaping Responsible Citizens
In today’s rapidly changing world, the development of students extends beyond the classroom. While mental, physical, and intellectual growth is vital, their social development is equally crucial in creating responsible citizens and fostering a thriving society. Quality education is the foundation for this transformation.
Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Himachal Pradesh is undergoing a remarkable transformation in its education sector. One of the key initiatives driving this change is the innovative ‘Apna Vidyalaya: The Himachal School Adoption Program.’ This ambitious initiative invites eminent members of society to adopt government schools, taking an active role in improving the quality of education.
The core idea behind this scheme is to strengthen the bond between students and society. Through collective participation, students are encouraged to engage in social work, steering them away from negative influences such as excessive use of social media and drug addiction. Instead, they are offered comprehensive knowledge, career counseling, and guidance on competitive exams, shaping them into well-rounded individuals.
The program’s success is evident, with 427 schools already adopted by various sections of society. This includes 109 Government Senior Secondary Schools, nine Government High Schools, 33 Government Middle Schools, and 285 Government Primary Schools. The involvement of the community highlights the shared responsibility in shaping the future of Himachal’s youth.
Through this initiative, students are gaining a deeper understanding of their societal responsibilities. School patrons—those adopting the schools—are actively involved in providing career counseling, value-based education, legal awareness, and nutritional advice. They also focus on critical issues such as drug prevention, women empowerment, and fundamental duties, ensuring a holistic approach to education.
The ‘School Patron Campaign’ under this scheme aims at enhancing the quality of education by fostering partnerships between schools and influential community members. Regular interactions between patrons, school staff, and School Management Committees (SMCs) ensure that educational goals are being met.
Another aspect of the initiative, ‘My School My Campaign,’ encourages students to participate in activities beyond academics, such as yoga and sports, further promoting their physical and mental well-being.
Educational support teams, consisting of retired teachers, government employees, and professionals from various fields, are also playing a significant role in expanding the knowledge base of students. Their expertise and dedication are helping bridge gaps in education and ensuring the success of the program.
So far, the program has seen the adoption of schools across various districts: 21 in Bilaspur, 48 in Chamba, 32 in Hamirpur, 35 in Kangra, 2 in Kinnaur, 18 in Kullu, 66 in Mandi, 117 in Shimla, 1 in Sirmaur, and 96 in Solan.
The ‘Apna Vidyalaya’ initiative is paving the way for a qualitative transformation in Himachal’s education system, ensuring that public participation plays a central role in shaping a brighter future for the youth. Through this program, Himachal Pradesh is not only improving its education sector but also nurturing responsible, well-informed citizens ready to contribute to society.
