New Canvas: Walls that educate and engage, draw students to NMC schools

Time of India

a day ago

Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is painting a new picture, literally, of public education. With an aim to make its schools more appealing, vibrant and inspiring, the civic body launched a beautification initiative under which school walls are being transformed with colourful, educational and creative artworks.
These "talking walls", as they are being fondly called, are sparking curiosity among students and earning appreciation from parents.
As part of preparations for the upcoming 2025-26 academic session, NMC is targeting quality enhancement and holistic learning. With use of bright colours and educational murals, the "talking walls" aim to create a positive and immersive environment for students from the very first day.
Five schools underwent major aesthetic revamps and now have walls lined with paintings of aircraft, science labs, mathematical formulas, planets, wildlife, cartoons, alphabets and more. The walls do more than just decorate — they now engage, educate, and excite.
The transformation happened under the guidance of municipal commissioner and administrator Abhijeet Chaudhari, and the leadership of additional commissioner Vaishnavi B, along with education officer Sadhana Sayam.
It was funded by Western Coalfields Limited's CSR initiative and implemented through the Jichkar Foundation under the 'Happy School Project'.
In recent years, student enrolment in NMC schools has steadily declined. The 2023-24 academic year saw primary enrolment drop from 8,427 to 6,495, and secondary enrolment from 5,789 to 4,879. Over the past five years, enrolment decreased by 2-5% annually, with a sharper 10-20% decline in 2024-25.
The trend led to the closure of nine schools, including Priyadarshini Primary and Sheshrao Wankhede Secondary schools.
Despite infrastructure upgrades and cultural initiatives, parents prefer private English-medium schools. In response, NMC launched English-medium schools and the 'Navchetna' campaign to attract students and improve facilities. Vaishnavi B interacted with the parents to encourage admissions in NMC schools.
With improved Class 10 and 12 board results last year, the perception of municipal schools is beginning to shift, slowly, but positively.
Apart from the visual appeal, many classrooms have been cleaned and equipped with better seating arrangements. Playgrounds have been spruced up to ensure a wholesome learning environment.
Also, several NMC schools are introducing digital smart classrooms and activity-based learning modules.
The focus is shifting from rote learning to holistic development. Initiatives are being taken to include sports, art & craft, music and regular use of school libraries in the daily schedule.
Teachers are being trained to make learning more engaging, and the improved infrastructure is motivating them to deliver high-quality education. The goal is to reduce dropout rates, build stronger connections between students and schools, and instil a love for learning in every child walking through the school gate.