Two government schools in Kozhikode — Government Vocational Higher Secondary School for Girls (VHSSG), Nadakkavu, and Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Karaparamba — are continuing to revolutionise public education by giving a new meaning to the concept of State schools.

Under the innovative PRISM (Promoting Regional Schools to International Standards through Multiple Interventions) initiative, these campuses are demonstrating how government schools can successfully evolve into world-class facilities.

“We, as teachers, have changed with students,” said English teacher O. Amini of VHSSG, which first launched the scheme in 2010. She described how students had evolved with the pandemic and changing world, saying that the change was not for the worse but simply an adaptation.

Former Kozhikode North legislator A. Pradeepkumar, who spearheaded the project, said, “We wanted students to become winners not only in examinations but in life as well.”

The school now has high-tech classrooms, science and computer labs, and an indoor stadium. Besides renovating infrastructure, PRISM interventions aim to empower students to be independent. The school is also set to enhance its extracurricular activities. “We are launching a cricket team for our girls this academic year. They have been waiting for this opportunity,” said K. Shimla, the school’s sports teacher.

Similarly, GHSS, Karaparamba, which adopted the PRISM project in 2019, has made remarkable strides in both academics and co-curricular activities. The campus features a built-in amphitheatre where the theatre club rehearses and performs. “This initiative has significantly boosted our students’ English proficiency and helped them overcome stage fright,” said Omana Ambili, headmistress-in-charge.

The school’s cultural and academic profile continues to rise. In 2024, it became home to Kerala’s first school art gallery, established by the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi. It is also in the process of setting up a geology laboratory. “Government funding has already been allocated to procure equipment for the facility,” said Sandhya Sharmendhra, a teacher.

Mr. Pradeepkumar highlighted that the ‘Nadakkavu model’ had since been replicated across several schools in Kozhikode city, including the GHSS on the medical college campus. There, PRISM successfully established a ‘virtual and practical reality lab’, giving students access to a ‘virtual museum’ and a news studio, vastly expanding their technological literacy.

Over the years, PRISM has forged collaborations with a diverse network of organisations, including Faisal & Shabana Foundation, National Institute of Technology-Calicut, Indian Institute of Architects, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), DC Books, and the Kerala State Sports Council.

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