If all kids who ever went to school have prayed for extra summer vacations, this swelter season has heard the prayers of at least Jharkhand's children.
The state directive to suspend classes for students up to Class VIII of all government and private schools from Thursday in view of the scorching summer has forced Ranchi mothers to put on their thinking caps on how to keep their children busy this extra long vacation.
Though the state directive clearly states these extra holidays are not officially vacation but suspension of classes due to heatwave conditions, with the understanding that schools might reopen if daytime temperatures drop due to Nor'westers or any other eventuality, kids are in vacation mood till June 13, when schools are likely to reopen.
"I think we mums are becoming event managers at home," said Vandana Sahu, mother of a Class II student of St Xavier's School, Doranda, indicating mothers are wracking their brains to plan activities for the 45 days ahead.
This time, summer is so severe that schools and socio-cultural outfits haven't jumped on the summer camp bandwagon yet. But, Vandana said she planned to arrange activity sessions for her son and his friends at home itself.
"I'm thinking on the lines of fun sessions on dramatics and public speaking, reading books and art classes. The idea is to entertain and challenge children indoors," she said.
Kanke resident Disha Adukia, mother of two kids in junior classes at Loreto Convent and St Xaviers, has made immediate plans to pack the kids to nani ghar in Calcutta. "Summer vacation traditionally means being with granny. In Calcutta, there are lots of opportunities for activities too," Disha said.
In Dipatoli, Priya, a mother of two girls studying in DPS, one in Class V and the other in Class II, said: "I'm thinking of helping them make craft items at home for their school projects."
But, Shruti Sinha, whose son studies in Class IX and daughter in Class VI in St Thomas School is in fix. According to the government directive, youngsters from Classes IX to XII would attend classes from 6.30 to 10.30 in the mornings till May 7.
It means her son is going to school while her daughter is enjoying her vacations.
"Yes, it's a sticky situation. My son realises he is in a senior class, which is why he has to go to school, but as is sister has started her vacations, he is unhappy," said the mother. As for her summer vacation plans for kids, she said: "I'll help out both my kids to use the computer and the Internet."
