The Director of Public Instruction last year directed schools to conduct no academic activity including classes during the mid-summer vacation. The directive was based on an instruction by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. While a section of schools argue that the order is unrealistic, advocates of child rights insist that classes during summer violate their rights .
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) under the Ministry of Women and Child development defines a child as one who is aged up to 18. But there is a clear dichotomy between an infant and an 18-year old ‘child’. In fact, they represent extremes in all child development aspects. There is a long gap during the transition period from childhood to the beginning of teens; an adolescent is capable of committing a crime including culpable homicide. A spoilt teenager who lives in a den of vices may instigate his peer group and resort to terrorism and sabotage.
The apparent motive behind the circular is to protect children from the summer heat. However, the rationale is ambiguous, for a teenager without surveillance during long vacations may harm himself more by becoming a victim to digital screen addiction, given their popularity these days. There are also chances of misuse of Internet and visual media. The youngsters prefer self-approach and refuse to listen to the older generation. They shift their attention towards formidable obsessions and infatuations and run frantically after the phenomenon of ‘knowledge explosion’. They become an easy prey to bad habits and could become slaves of drugs and alcohol. They will be reluctant to listen to their parents and teachers.
It may be fascinating for children to have a laissez faire life style on the campus but the fact is that they could lose their character easily in a ‘nothing-to-do atmosphere’ during long summer vacations. Cliques and star groups find ample time to spread all kinds of evil habits. Addiction to narcotic drugs can be developed in an ambience of unlimited freedom concomitant with the misuse of the new age media, especially during vacation. We must recognise that it is in the interest of the children that there are restrictions on campuses.
There are other reasons, too, that many schools conduct programmes during vacation. The curriculum-based sports and literary activities are very scanty within the available short span of school time. The vacation can be fruitfully utilised for organising camps of various faculties and nourish the talents. It easier for the children to learn skill-based activities such as swimming, roller-skating and various indoor games during vacation. Dance and musical classes, symposiums on various topics, debates and workshops can be arranged in the school. Many schools can provide an amicable ambiance under the shades of trees or in the auditorium during summer season avoiding the scorching outdoor heat.
It will be prudent that commission revisit its order, keeping in mind the above points. It may also carefully study the advantages vis-a-vis disadvantages of a long, non-monitored vacation for the students.
(The writer principal, St. Philomena’s Public School & Junior College, Elanji, Ernakulam.)
