The Higher Secondary School, in the Ranchor Line area of Karachi, does not look like most other state-run schools in the city. It has a striking and vibrant classroom, outfitted with all new furniture sets against spotless walls, repainted by the students themselves.
Ranchor Line is one of Karachi’s oldest and poorest settlements, which is why this small school stands out.
The credit for the change goes to Sharjil Baloch, a documentary filmmaker and artist.
For 14-year-old Aaliyan, the exercise was like an unrestrained art class. “I learnt colour mixing and how to express myself on a large canvas.” Photo: Geo.tv
“Usually at government schools, enrolment is low and the drop out rate is high,” Baloch tells Geo.tv. “One reason is that students do not find an engaging enough environment to study in.”
That is how, he explains, the project, Rang Tamasha, came about.
In December, Baloch bought the students of the Higher Secondary School paints to colour the school walls. Around 60 students immediately expressed interest. The children, of all ages and grades, decorated the walls with murals and drawings.
“I told them to express themselves and they did,” he says proudly, pointing towards the rectangular wall behind him.
Soon after, says the headmaster, Ashfaq Bhatti, the school became more visible in the neighbourhood.
“I am expecting a higher enrolment this April,” he says. “Even parents with children in private schools have approached us.”
Baloch admits that the project was inspired from the private schools he visited in Karachi.
“Whenever I used to go to a private-sector school, the contrast was evident. Such schools have colours and are inviting, while very few state schools are in good shape.”
During the course of the repaint, Baloch noticed a change in the students’ personality.
“They took ownership of their work and their classrooms,” he added. “Today, when I visit them I can see a smile on their faces. For me, this is a success story.”
For 14-year-old Aaliyan, the exercise was like an unrestrained art class. “I learnt colour mixing and how to express myself on a large canvas.”
Refurbishing and painting the school’s classrooms has been a quick and easy way to improve the dreary ambience. Next, Baloch aims to take the project to his own hometown Machh, in Balochistan.
“Though peace has returned to my area, children there suffer from post-traumatic depression due to the insurgency and post-sectarian strife. I want them to also walk into brighter classrooms everyday.”