While the lack of a permanent headmaster at the Government UP School in Edamalakkudy—the State’s first tribal panchayat—had been casting a shadow over the education of local children, a dedicated teacher has stepped forward to take charge. According to officials, Shameer C.A., a primary school teacher, took over as headmaster on Monday (June 15), stepping into a role that many other educators have avoided due to the region’s extreme remoteness and lack of proper accommodation.

Earlier, Mr. Shameer actively chose a posting in this tribal panchayat and served as a teacher in the area for over three years. Since then, he has successfully implemented Padippurussi (Taste of Learning), a specialised Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) scheme designed for students in Muthuvan tribal settlements. The initiative aims to ensure that all local students become fully literate in Malayalam.

Mr. Shameer said he understands the pulse of the tribal panchayat and that his top priority as headmaster is improving daily attendance. “We plan to implement projects aimed at preventing dropouts and ensuring that every child studying here can read and write proficiently,” he said.

He added that four temporary teachers have already joined the school for the current academic year, with two more expected to arrive from the Block Resource Centre (BRC) soon. “According to our current data, six students have already enrolled in Class I this academic year. We also plan to actively engage with the tribal community to ensure that every child in the panchayat receives formal education,” Mr. Shameer said.

Earning trust

Sources note that a teacher’s willingness to stay in the hamlet and build a deep bond with the community is crucial, as tribal families are far more likely to send their children to school when they trust the educators.

Former SSK State Programme Officer Sindhu S.S. praised his dedication, noting that the implementation of “Padippurussi”—a flagship SSK initiative—was led by Shameer alongside two trainers from Pathanamthitta district. “Owing to the lack of accommodation, the team resided on the school premises,” Ms. Sindhu said. “They undertook extensive field visits to tribal hamlets, engaged with community members, identified eligible children, and ensured their enrolment.”

Having spent considerable time in Edamalakkudy, Shameer developed a deep familiarity with the community and its unique challenges. “He knows almost every family, the pathways connecting the hamlets, and the socio-cultural realities of the area,” Ms. Sindhu added. “This deep understanding, coupled with his commitment to the welfare of the children, enables him to contribute to the school and the community more effectively than most others could,” she said.