Post recovery from Covid, on his first day to the office, Principal K V Vincent saw a mother awaiting him in with a request. Will he please allow her to withdraw her daughter from school for a year? Her husband was Covid + and the family could not afford the treatment expenses as well as tuition fees.
Like millions in our country, last August, Vincent too was affected by Covid. His illness resulted in a month’s hospitalisation. When he recovered and returned home, he had experienced the pain of a Covid patient. His family had undergone the trauma of loved ones long hospitalisation. Fear, sadness, anxiety, stress, they had faced it all.
Vincent’s heart was torn apart on seeing the plight of the mother.
He called a few friendly Principals (of other schools) and was saddened to know they too have similar requests. He knew the angst of a middle-income family that has a Covid patient. He took a bold decision.
He decided to slash the school fee by 50% for the academic year 2020-21.
He convinced his Board that under the circumstances, that was indeed the right thing to do. The Board was understandably reluctant but on his persistence, they gave a ‘go-ahead.’
Bouquets – Parents were thrilled with the humane decision of the school. No child dropped out. Inspired by him, a few more schools followed suit.
Brickbats – Many school’s management were angered by his decision accusing him of destroying their ‘business model’. “Now we too will have to follow suit”, they thundered. Angry emails and what’s app messages continue to date.
Vincent took it all in good spirits for he is a man of common sense, compassion and courage.
Present – For this academic year, when the fee was back to the regular one, all parents cooperated and none whimpered. There have been zero complaints for they understood it was difficult for the school to run for another year with a 50% fee. No dropouts again.
I do not know of many schools that have as courageous a Principal as K V Vincent is. I do not know of many managements who are as cooperative as the management of Huddard High School, Kanpur is.
Hats off to them. Proud of you my dear friend K V Vincent. You have certainly stopped many children from dropping out and saved their future. More power to you.
With love, prayers and exceptional wishes,
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