Summary:
Jammu, Jan 18 (PTI) Just three kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC), a government school with an enrolment of over 200 students in Mendhar sector of Jammu and Kashmir"s Poonch district has witnessed major improvements – thanks to the local army unit which has come forward to help the youngsters to achieve their dreams.
The endeavour of Mendhar Gunners under the aegis of White Knight Corps has been to bring the school at par to national standards despite the school being on the LoC and amid the COVID-19 restrictions, Jammu-based Army PRO Lt Col Devender Anand said.
Government High School, Dharana, located in the serene hills of the Mendhar is far away from the hustle and bustle of Poonch city where children can easily absorb knowledge and grow in all aspects of life, he said.
The students from this school generally come from impecunious families whose primary occupation is daily labour, which had wide implications on the students like lack of exposure to the modern outside world, the officer said. Lt Col Anand said Mendhar Gunners, the local Army unit on regular interaction with the locals, discerned the issue at hand and immediately sprung into action to assist.
"Our school is along the LoC but we are being provided with all those facilities which are available in all city schools, for example, we have a library with all kinds of study material and volleyball courts to play during our games period, which is something we all look forward to,” 15-year-old Fathima, a student of class nine, said.
The ambience of the school is best described as calm, spacious with good amenities and utilities in a visually appealing landscape.