Vijayawada: Government schools across Andhra Pradesh on Friday organized ‘Mana Badi-Mana Panduga’ (Our School-Our Festival), a student welcome programme aimed at creating a child-friendly atmosphere and ensuring a smooth start to the 2026-27 academic year.
Initiative Details and Guidelines
The school education department issued detailed guidelines directing schools to organize special welcome programmes for students as institutions reopened on June 12. The initiative seeks to make students feel welcomed, respected, and motivated to learn while encouraging regular attendance and retention from the very first day of the academic year.
Focus on Specific Student Groups
Special focus will be placed on students entering Classes 1, 6, and 9, children who had dropped out of school, never-enrolled children returning to the education system, and students transferred from private schools or other districts and states. The programme is also intended to strengthen the participation of parents, school management committees (SMCs), and local communities in school activities.
Activities and Preparations
As part of the student welcome programme, schools were instructed to clean and decorate campuses, display welcome banners, and organize cultural activities. Teachers and SMC members were asked to personally invite new students and parents to participate in the reopening celebrations.
Buddy Student Concept
The education department has also introduced a ‘Buddy Student’ concept, under which senior students will guide and support newcomers and help them adapt to the school environment. Schools were directed to conduct guided campus tours, classroom orientation activities, and parent information sessions.
Distribution of Materials and Celebrations
Students were welcomed with flowers, greeting notes, and introductory programmes. The schools have also been asked to distribute textbooks, uniforms, and other learning materials to new entrants. Special mid-day meal treats and community participation activities have also been planned.
Official Statements
Officials said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that every child feels a sense of belonging in school and begins the academic year in a positive and supportive environment.
Programme Highlights
The ‘Mana Badi–Mana Panduga’ (Our School-Our Festival) programme, an initiative of the school education department, is aimed at celebrating school reopening days by welcoming students back to the institution in a festive manner. Students were welcomed by school staff and teachers with flowers, chocolates, and traditional aarti at government schools across Andhra Pradesh. The programme is aimed to encourage full attendance on the first day of the academic year while reducing absenteeism and dropouts. Extra emphasis is placed on students entering Class I (primary school) and Class VI (high school), particularly those transitioning to new campuses for the first time.
