At CM Rise Model Higher Secondary School (CMRMHS) in Jhabua, a remarkable transformation is unfolding. What was once a struggling school in the heart of a marginalised tribal community is now a beacon of hope, radiating possibility for students and the entire community. Timely intervention by the Madhya Pradesh Government under the CM RISE Schools initiative helps students to find themselves in an environment designed not just for learning, but for thriving.
When Peepul first became the core academic partner in the CM RISE Schools program, the challenges in Jhabua were daunting. The district’s socio-economic landscape is shaped by deep intergenerational poverty, low literacy rates (63% against a national average of 77%), and early marriages (81% of girls married early compared to the national average of 22%). Among students, dropout rates were alarmingly high, and only 16% completed a decade of schooling. Many parents viewed education as futile, believing their children were better off working or getting married young.
Understanding that systemic issues require more than academic solutions, Peepul embarked on a mission to not just transform the classroom but to foster a nurturing, inclusive environment that inspired both students and their families.
Engaging the Community
A major challenge was reshaping the community’s view of education. Peepul, in collaboration with school leaders and teachers, initiated a series of community engagements to address these issues. Through the ‘Collaborative Circle’ approach, teachers became ambassadors for change.
The transformation began to take root when parents were invited to be equal stakeholders in their children’s education. Events like the “Learning Showcase,” where students presented their work to their families, gave parents a firsthand view of their children’s progress. In one such event, 40% of parents attended—a significant shift in a community that previously viewed schooling as futile. A local parent, Balramji Bundela, shared, “I am so happy that my child is getting this opportunity. I wish that my child does not have to face the hardships which I have faced.”
A Safe Haven for Girls
One of the biggest barriers to education in Jhabua was the frequent dropout of girls due to migration or early marriages. Peepul and the school management campaigned in 2018 for the construction of a girls’ hostel on campus. The hostel, which opened in July 2018, became a game-changer. For the first time, girls in Jhabua had a safe, stable space where they could live and study. The space offers free residency and is now running at full capacity.
Says, Manisha Gundiya, one of the hostelites, “My elder sister was married at 16, but because of the hostel, I was able to continue my studies. Now I dream of working in an office,” she says.
A Holistic Approach to Student Wellbeing
Education at CMRMHS is no longer limited to academics. Weekly sessions on life skills, decision-making, and emotional intelligence help students navigate complex life choices. Morning “mindful dialogues” create safe spaces for students to share their thoughts and learn from one another, building emotional awareness and resilience.
In the classroom, teachers use techniques like cold calling and think-pair-share to ensure that every student is actively engaged. A mentorship system was also introduced, where senior students serve as mentors to younger ones, supporting them academically and socially, creating a “buddy culture”.
Health and Hygiene: A Community Effort
Peepul and the school established a health committee, involving both teachers and students, to address hygiene, safety, and sociocultural issues. This committee, for example, introduced pre-lunch handwashing, menstrual hygiene awareness and waste disposal protocols. It has been also instrumental in promoting road safety awareness, including helmet usage.
The committee’s efforts have transcended the school walls, inspiring healthier lifestyle choices in the broader community, and establishing the school as a model of positive social change.
The Ripple Effect: A Growing Legacy
The impact of these efforts is undeniable. Since 2016, student enrolment has surged from 45 to 576 in 2023, with attendance rates rising from 50% to an impressive 85% presently. The gender balance is now skewed favourably towards girls, making CMRMHS a safe and inclusive space for all. A 2 km-long road has now been built through community collaboration, providing students motorable road access to students.
Through a combination of community collaboration, academic innovation, and a holistic approach to wellbeing, a highly committed team comprising School Leaders, the Government and representatives of Peepul has not only transformed CMRMHS into a thriving learning environment but also shifted the community’s outlook on education.
