Thrissur: Rizwana, an eighth-standard student at St Mary’s Girls’ High School at Chowannur, has received a priceless gift from her schoolmates—a safe, secure, and spacious home. The house was built by Rizwana’s friends, who are part of ‘Malayala Manorama Nallapaadam,’ after they realised she was living in a single-room house.

Rizwana’s parents are Madhappattu Parambil Khalid and Jubairiya of Kodakkallu in Vellarakkad. Her elder sister Rahiyanath is an alumna of St Mary’s. Khalid suffers from various health issues and works as a tailor. Jubairiya has also been under long-term treatment for several diseases. The family has been staying in a tiny dwelling for the last 14 years, where Rizwana and Rahiyanth were forced to study and sleep in the same room, which also served as the kitchen.

The foundation stone for the new house was laid on September 16 this year, and construction was completed in three and a half months, thanks to the sincere efforts of students and support from teachers, non-teaching staff, former students, school management, the parent-teacher association, and social workers.

“The new house has all the facilities and has two bedrooms. It was built at Rs 11.50 lakh,” said the Head Teacher of the school, Sister Kripa and Nalla Paadhom Coordinators Sister Sumitha and Jency Joseph. Nallapaadam Leaders Archana Ajikumar and Mary Marriott led the initiative from the students' side.