Where hope grows: Teacher Jawad breathes life into decaying Kashmir school

A pre-independence government school in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, once on the brink of closure, has seen a remarkable revival under the leadership of teacher Jawad Jawad.

GMS Onagam, located in the village known for Ahmadullah Affandi, or Baba‑e‑JK Scouting, had suffered years of neglect due to political unrest, socio-economic challenges, and the community’s shift toward private schools.

Jawad, a native of the area, took charge in 2018 and focused on restoring the school’s reputation and enrollment.

“I got the opportunity to head the school in 2018. Since then, this mission to revive the school has been my sole focus,” he said.

Student numbers rose from 112 in 2018 to over 200 in 2025, as families began re-enrolling their children despite the school’s basic mud-and-thatch infrastructure.

The school faces ongoing infrastructure challenges. Rainwater seeps into classrooms, a single restroom is shared by teachers and students, there is no separate washroom for girls, potable water is limited, and the first floor serves as a kitchen.

Parents worry about safety. “Our hearts always linger in fear because we don’t know when any calamity can happen,” said Misra, mother of a student.

Beyond academics, Jawad has expanded programs to include nutrition, gender equity, communication skills, moral values, personality development, social responsibility, and physical fitness.

Digital learning tools have been introduced, and student publications such as Shaadab, Bachcho Ki Duniya, and the Kashmiri periodical Soan Meeraas foster creativity.

The Moul Mouj Foundation recently sponsored participation in the TechKnow 2025 workshop at DPS Srinagar.

Community involvement has also been key to the school’s revival. Local professionals, volunteers, and residents have contributed resources and support.

A microscope was donated by Reshi Mohammad Azad, while carpenter Ghulam Hassan renovated the staircase free of charge.

Teachers and volunteers distribute clothing, shoes, and stationery; this year, items worth ₹65,000 reached 150 underprivileged students.

Cultural and community programs, weekly medical screenings, and exposure visits to institutions such as Polytechnic College, IUST, DH Bandipora, SKUAST-Kashmir, Central University of Kashmir, and DPS Srinagar have broadened students’ horizons.

Parents report improvements not only in academics but also in students’ confidence and societal engagement.

Altaf Uzma, a Class 8 student, recalled her previous private school experience, saying, “I never got a chance to present in the morning assembly. Today I am the secretary of the GMS Onagam school.” Parents credit Jawad with revitalizing hope for the school.

Recognized for his contributions, Jawad was named Bandipora’s finest educator in 2011 and received a state-level best teacher award in 2021.

However, recent transfers in September 2025, including Jawad’s move to Laherwalpora, have left parents anxious.

“The school is in shambles, and without Javaid Sahab, we fear for our future,” said parent Altaf Ahmad, highlighting the community’s concern over continuity.

GMS Onagam’s story reflects how committed educators can transform neglected institutions, but the sustainability of progress remains uncertain without continued support and leadership.