News and Pics: Lancy Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network - Karwar
Karwar, Jan 15: Loyola school, Mundgod rejoices as it completes two decades of its existence on Friday January 14. It is one of the unique institutions of Jesuits of Karnataka that exclusively reaches out to the underprivileged of the state. It is located about 3 km away from Mundgod taluk headquarters, in a village called Karaginakoppa.
Mundgod is one of the backward taluks of Karwar district and diocese. It is well-known for the grand Tibetan colony. It is also called Siddi-land as it is populated by people of African origin who seem to have migrated here centuries ago.
Loyola Institution began with primary school in 1991 with Fr Lawrence Pinto as its founder. To begin with this institution had just 34 children, but today it has grown into Loyola High School (started in 1994), PU College (started in 2003) and D Ed College (2004-05) with nearly 1000 students.
The Jesuits also have social work centres, Loyola Pragati Kendra in Haliyal, Loyola Vikas Kendra in Mundgod and Hanagal which empower weaker sections of society through self help groups (SHGs) and educational work through village hostels.
Loyola school over the years has catered the educational needs of tribals and dalits. Students find this school very unique as they get to learn some special skills along with curricular and co-curricular activities. Backward castes and tribes namely Siddis (people of African origin), Gowlis (cowherds), Lambanis (semi-nomadic group), Vaddars (stone-cutters) and Gollars (sheep-rearing) get education here for a nominal fee. Even those who have no basic educational orientation get education at a nominal fee. There is hostel facility for over 500 students coming from far off places.
A special feature of the school is the training of students in skills like electrical wiring, welding, agriculture, carpentry and computer along with other co-curricular activities.
There is an eco-friendly campus with solar lights, biogas plant and vermin-composting. This makes Loyola a unique school in the state.
Its alumni have gone on to pursue MBA, M Com, MSW etc, have joined the armed forces and are playing a significant role in society today. The institution plans to start B Ed, and a full fledged degree college offering graduate and post graduate courses.