A government LP school in Malappuram, which functioned in a madrassa building due to crumbling classrooms, is now the envy of private schools with a plush makeover. The Melmuri Government Lower Primary School, a 100-year-old institution that had long struggled with a dilapidated building, now flaunts a three-storey structure with fully air-conditioned classrooms, an aesthetically designed dining area and play space.

The original school building was in terrible condition, prompting parents, teachers, and local residents to push for a new structure. “The old classrooms didn’t even have proper walls,” recalls Padmaja, the headmistress. “Parents were reluctant to enrol their children, fearing the building could collapse at any time. Even children who lived nearby avoided it.” Last year, the school lost its fitness certificate and had to conduct classes in a nearby madrasa building. Despite having only 80-100 students currently, the community hoped that a new, modern facility would attract more children and provide a life-changing opportunity for those from ordinary backgrounds.

Under the leadership of Municipality Chairman Mujeeb Kateri and ward councillor C K Najia Shihar, the municipality purchased land a few hundred meters from the old building to construct the new school. The total cost of the project is ₹5.58 crore, including ₹50 lakh from the MLA fund. Mujeeb says, “This is the school I studied in. We wanted to give it a completely new identity, unlike the typical look of LP schools, both inside and outside.”

The design of the new school was part of a CSR initiative, developed with the collaboration of architecture students and municipal engineers. The goal was to create a school that is visually vibrant, child-friendly, and educationally advanced. The three-storey building houses eight classrooms, each with two air-conditioning units, making a total of 21 ACs across the campus. In addition to classrooms, the school features a computer lab, library, staff room, and a head teacher’s office, all fully air-conditioned. Students will also enjoy modern FRP (Fibre-Reinforced Plastic) benches and desks, replacing the traditional wooden furniture typically seen in government schools. Even the dining area, wooden panels, and other interiors have been thoughtfully designed to enhance the learning experience.

Mujeeb explains, “The main mission is that children who have never sat in an air-conditioned room should get to study in one. For many of these students, this is a life-altering experience.” The building is painted in multicolours, adding to the playful atmosphere suited for young children. The school also runs entirely on solar power.

To ensure that the school would meet high standards, the project team, including Najia Shihar, PTA president Abdurahiman, and the architect, visited Nadakkavu Model School and Karaparamba GHSS in Kozhikode. Nadakkavu is known for its transformation under a public-private partnership initiative, while Karaparamba prioritises student freedom and holistic growth, blending built spaces with nature to create an open learning environment. “We took ideas from these schools and understood the processes behind their success,” says Mujeeb. “These insights directly influenced the construction and design of the new LP school.”

The school was designed not only to provide modern infrastructure but also to offer equality in education. “Children from ordinary backgrounds, the sons and daughters of auto drivers, contract workers, and daily wage earners, now have access to facilities that were previously reserved for private schools,” says Abdurahiman. Headmistress Padmaja adds, “Nearby schools like Malabar English School attract children from affluent families. Our goal was to ensure that children from ordinary families have access to high-tech facilities as well.”

The construction of the new building took two years, and every stage was carefully planned to ensure quality and functionality. 

The excitement among students is already palpable. “All the children are thrilled about the new school,” says Padmaja. “They keep asking when we will move in. For them, it’s more than a building, it’s a dream come true.” Abdurahiman notes that the improved facilities are likely to increase enrollment, as parents will now feel confident sending their children to a school that is safe, comfortable, and modern.

The inauguration of the Melmuri Muttipadi Government LP School is scheduled for October 19 at 4 pm and will be attended by MP E T Muhammed Basheer. For the people of Melmuri, the new school is not just a building; it is a symbol of hope, opportunity, and the transformative power of public education.