APS: A photo story

Surrounded by openness

This piece finds place in Teacher Plus' December issue. 

Thanks to the colleagues there and to Richa for comments on the draft. 

Image credits: Achyut Patwardhan Junior High School 

What all can a school do if its building is surrounded by open spaces? How can the adults and children at the school optimally use these spaces? Does greenery at these open spaces become the proverbial icing on the cake? Do these spaces lead to rekindling openness within us as well?

First the school. Located on the outskirts of a fast-growing town, along the riverbank in eastern Uttar Pradesh, the school began sometime in the 1940s. Housed within a large campus, the school today has 15 teachers and 250 children. Most of the children, from nursery to 8th class, come from the nearby areas. There are no other open spaces in the vicinity and these spaces around the school play a crucial role in the lives of the children. They come to these spaces during evenings, on holidays and during vacations. And not just these children, these spaces are regularly used by adults from nearby areas as well for their morning walks, evening runs, cricket matches, meeting friends and else.

Children play in these spaces, using what is available outdoors. This opportunity to play outdoors stood them in good stead during the otherwise gloomy COVID times.

The result is happy smiles!

Children play on the playground equipment. Before the school, after the school and in between. This equipment is possibly the most used and durable item at the school; one that is seldom seen without the company of children. One complaint that parents have is that the children do not return home on time!

During winters we literally stretch ourselves, each morning.

During a sports period.

Children and adults learn about fire safety equipment. This too takes place here!

Amongst the annual events is cooking. This too is more fun outside.

Sometimes the children buy candy and chips from the old uncle who has been around these spaces since one can remember. With his increasing years his shop has been shrinking.

During recess the children have food with friends. When the children and adults are not around, I have also noticed the Grey Francolin, Monitor Lizard, White-breasted Waterhen and the Indian Grey Mongoose amongst the species that wander here.

Once in a while the trees give us gifts. Gifts that we share. The fact that we planted these trees together makes the fruits tastier

Younger children go for walks in the campus.

Elder children, and adults, go for walks beyond the campus. During these walks they observe the surroundings. This particular morning, we had badgered the uncle with incessant questions. He had shown us the freshly made kullads (earthen cups we have tea in).

Tea stalls. This one is a favourite with children and adults. After the tea and buns, the children enjoy their interactions with the owner.

The river too is not far. Walking the ghats under the winter sun is special. 

Back to the grounds. In this town of faith and festivities, on select days, we also have visitors. They come in hundreds and take over the spaces. During these days they also cook, sing, wash clothes and dance. They remind us that these are all shared spaces. Spaces where a lot happens and yet there is room for more!