By Sasi Nair K.P.

www.mediaeyenews.com

Good Samaritans emerge from all walks of life when a difficult situation arises. However, none would have a more profound influence on young minds than the selfless initiatives of a teacher who moulds the next generation.

Shirley Pillai, the petite principal of Powai English High School, has done just that. When parents of her wards could not pay their fees after the Covid pandemic-induced lockdowns ravaged family incomes, she swung into action in a quiet and dignified manner. Working community platforms and using social media, she raised Rs.40 lakh from corporate houses and individuals.

“I’m glad the effort is bearing fruit,” says Pillai, her eyes lighting up. She had started the crowdfunding in the second quarter of 2020 after the national lockdown was imposed in March that year.

“Around 200 students’ fees have been paid with the collected funds,” notes the ever-smiling principal, oozing positivity. “We are now looking at sponsors for our students for the academic year of 2021-22.”

Pillai’s praiseworthy initiative done discreetly and away from the arch-lights is a lesson in how to tackle seemingly helpless situations. She displayed compassion of the highest order in stark contrast to many other schools that hiked their fees, threw tantrums, poured scorn and threatened parents in the most heartless manner.

The Powai school caters to 2,200 students, some of whom come from lower middle-class homes and daily wage earners – all with aspirations to build a better future. Only about half the students were able to fork out the cash even after the school offered a 25 per cent discount on the annual fees of Rs.35,000. Some 105 teaching and non-teaching staff took a 30 per cent to 50 per cent pay cut to keep the school afloat.

The outlook was grim and Pillai understood that “girl students would be the first to be forced to drop out” if the situation prolonged. For the first time in her 35-year teaching career, she grappled with report cards piling up on her desk as hard-pressed parents kept away fearing demands for fees if they showed up.

Struggling parents became aware of Pillai’s efforts only when they started receiving phone calls, informing them their wards’ fees have been paid by sponsors. The school is taking care to ensure the children are unaffected by the trauma.

“Children have been told to focus on their studies and leave the fee issue to the adults,” Pillai says, noting that online classes were in full swing.

“I’m putting in my best. I’ll not rest until the remaining report cards are taken away by parents without fear or worry.”