The government primary school in Bhatapara village, located in the Katghora block of Korba district, Chhattisgarh, underwent a remarkable transformation under the leadership of headmistress Firoza Khan. Just a year ago, the school faced dire conditions, with dilapidated infrastructure and a lack of basic amenities. Students were compelled to study on sackcloth due to the absence of furniture, and the surrounding area was overgrown with bushes, presenting a dismal sight. These challenges deterred students from attending classes regularly.

The situation took a positive turn with Firoza Khan’s intervention. Since she was appointed headmistress, the school has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. Today, it boasts facilities akin to a convent school, with improved infrastructure and enhanced sanitation facilities. Firoza Khan emphasised that besides upgrading the physical infrastructure, she also introduced innovative teaching methods to enrich the learning experience for students.

The refurbished school environment has become so inviting that children now linger after classes to engage in recreational activities with their peers. This transformation has not only garnered appreciation from the local community but has also attracted students from neighbouring villages to enrol in the school.

Firoza Khan’s journey towards transforming the school stems from her longstanding passion for education, especially in rural areas. Her tenure as warden at a boys’ hostel in Nonbirra village, situated in a rugged tribal region, laid the foundation for her commitment to serving in government schools. In 2011, she seized the opportunity to become the headmistress of the primary school in Bhatapara.

Upon assuming her role, Firoza Khan immediately prioritised the renovation of the school premises. With the support of villagers, as well as various NGOs and service-oriented organisations, she initiated a comprehensive overhaul of the school infrastructure. Notably, local women volunteered their labour to construct a platform under a tree within the school premises.

The renovation efforts extended to repairing the school building, thanks to collaboration with several social organisations. Firoza Khan’s qualifications, including triple MA degrees and a D.Ed in English, Hindi, and Economics, underscore her dedication to academic excellence. Her husband’s occupation as a railway employee in Rewa reflects a supportive familial environment conducive to her professional endeavours.

Firoza Khan’s remarkable leadership and unwavering commitment to educational upliftment have not only revitalised the government primary school in Bhatapara but have also inspired positive change within the broader community.