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Remote School Achieves Zero Dropout, Needs Water Solution
22 Dec, 2025
Summary
- School operates 365 days a year, offering two meals and protection from migration.
- Zero dropout rate achieved through activity-based learning and vocational training.
- Water scarcity threatens years of progress; a small dam and solar power are requested.
In Maharashtra's Nashik district, a Zilla Parishad School in Hiwali hamlet defies conventional education models. Operating 365 days a year, 12 hours daily, it provides meals and a stable environment, preventing seasonal migration of tribal children. This dedication has resulted in a remarkable zero dropout rate, with students excelling academically and in vocational skills.
The school's innovative approach includes activity-based learning, hands-on experiences, and preparation for competitive exams, significantly impacting the entire village. Hiwali has become a zero-addiction community, with children, especially girls, prioritized in education. Teachers from numerous other schools have visited to replicate this successful model.
Despite these successes, the school now confronts a critical water scarcity challenge. Teachers fear that without immediate intervention, such as a Kolhapur-Type weir dam and solar power, their efforts could be undermined, potentially leading to a return of migration. This urgent need for water conservation is paramount to sustaining the educational progress achieved.
