PRISM initiative revolutionises public education in Kozhikode

Two government schools in Kozhikode – Government Vocational School for Girls (VHSSG), Nadakkavu and Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Karaparamba – continue to revolutionize public education by giving new meaning to the concept of government schools.

Government Higher Secondary School Karaparamba adopted the Prism project in 2019. The campus has a built-in amphitheater where the drama club rehearses and performs. | Photo Credit: K. Ragesh

Under the innovative PRISM (Raising Regional Schools to International Standards through Multiple Interventions) initiative, these campuses demonstrate how public schools can successfully transform into world-class facilities.

“As teachers, we have changed along with the students,” said O. Amini, an English teacher from VHSSG, who first launched the program in 2010. He explained how students have evolved with the pandemic and the changing world and said that the change is not for the worse, it is just an adaptation.

“We wanted students to be winners not just in exams but also in life,” said former Kozhikode North legislator A. Pradeepkumar, who spearheaded the project.

The school now features high-tech classrooms, science and computer laboratories, and an indoor stadium. Besides renewing the infrastructure, PRISM interventions aim to enable students to become independent. The school’s extracurricular activities will also be increased. “We are starting a cricket team for our girls this academic year. They have been waiting for this opportunity,” said K. Shimla, sports teacher of the school.

Similarly, by adopting the PRISM project in 2019, GHSS has made remarkable progress in both academic and extracurricular activities in Karaparamba. The campus has a built-in amphitheater where the drama club rehearses and performs. “This initiative has significantly increased our students’ English proficiency and helped them overcome stage fright,” said Omana Ambili, the principal in charge.

The school’s cultural and academic profile continues to rise. It hosted Kerala’s first school art gallery, established by Kerala Lalithakala Akademi in 2024. Additionally, the geology laboratory is in the process of being established. “Government fund has already been allocated to procure equipment for the facility,” said teacher Sandhya Sharmendhra.

Mr. Pradeepkumar highlighted that the ‘Nadakkavu model’ has since been replicated in many schools in Kozhikode city, including GHSS on the medical college campus. Here, PRISM has successfully established a ‘virtual and practical reality laboratory’, which greatly expands students’ technological literacy by giving them access to a ‘virtual museum’ and a news studio.

Over the years, PRISM has developed collaborations with various organizational networks, including Faisal & Shabana Foundation, National Institute of Technology-Calicut, Indian Institute of Architects, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), DC Books and Kerala State Sports Council.

Looking ahead, Mr. Pradeepkumar discussed the future of the initiative with MLA K. Jayanth during Pravesanotsavam at Nadakkavu GVHSS. “HE [MLA] assured full support and leadership to the project,” added Mr. Pradeepkumar.