Teachers of the Upgraded Primary School in Telaiya Basti here have come up with a novel initiative to get children to attend classes — whistling teams.

Despite many government schemes to increase the attendance of students, the turnout does not seem to be encouraging in most government-run schools in Koderma district. Hence, the teachers of the Upgraded Primary School in Telaiya Basti have started their unique initiative.

“We have decided to collect students by whistling,” said Veena Kumari, headmistress of the school.

She said four teams with three students each have been formed to whistle in their assigned area in the hamlet, around 170km from Ranchi, to remind the students to get ready for school.

The teams have been given whistles to blow.

The purpose is not only to make the students aware but also to send a message to parents — to ensure their children attend school.

Veena said after one week of the campaign, attendance has increased in the school.

“When I hear the whistle, I feel I should go to school,” said Muskan Kumari, a Class V student.

Bulbul, a student of Class IV, agreed: “It sounds melodious when we hear the whistle.”

Parents said it was commendable campaign by the school, which has 129 students.

“The campaign could be seen as an experiment; if it bears good results, we would implement it in other schools,” said Shivnarayan Saha, the district education officer. “We will try all possible measures to ensure cent per cent attendance of students.”