The district of Shopian & Pulwama in South Kashmir marred by volatile security situation have affected the education system. This coupled with COVID had a major impact. In this upheaval, Army Goodwill Schools proved to be a boon. AGS, Ahagam in Shopian has established itself as a premier institute in the field of education defining the holistic development of children in Shopian & Pulwama districts.
The foundation of AGS Ahagam was laid 1998 and the construction was completed in October 1999. The school was inaugurated on 7 May 2000 by the then Home Minister Mr LK Advani. The Army Goodwill School system is unique in its approach to education. It is not just focused on academic excellence but also brings out the holistic development of children. The school provides a safe and secure environment for children to learn and grow, away from the threat of violence and conflict. This has been crucial in ensuring that children can receive an education without fear and can solely focus on their studies.
One of the key strengths of the Army Goodwill School Ahagam is its ability to adapt to the unique challenges faced by each region. In Pulwama district, for example, there have been frequent disruptions to education due to the prevailing security situation. However, the school has found innovative ways to ensure that children can continue their studies even during times of unrest. For instance, the school has set up virtual smart classrooms that allow students to attend classes remotely when it is not safe to attend school in person. This has been a game-changer for students who would otherwise miss out on valuable education due to the ongoing conflict. Another challenge that the school faced was the meagre resources and infrastructure in the region. Working tirelessly to overcome these obstacles, the school has set up libraries, computer labs and science labs to ensure that students have access to the latest technology and resources. Moreover, the school has recruited highly qualified teachers who are passionate about providing quality education to children in the region. This has helped to bridge the gap between urban and rural education, ensuring that students in remote areas have access to the same quality of education as those in urban areas.
The impact of the Army Goodwill School system on the socio-economic development of the region cannot be overstated. By providing quality education to underprivileged and marginalized communities, the school is continuously empowering children to break free from the cycle of conflict and become agents of change in remote areas of Pulwama. Many students graduated from the school have pursued higher education and have secured employment in various fields. Such has been the effect on the region, now more and more people are being lifted out of poverty and contributing to the development of their communities. Despite the many glaring successes of the Army Goodwill School Ahagam, there are still scope for improvement. For example, there have been instances where students have struggled with the transition from virtual classrooms to in-person learning. However, the school has been quick to address these issues and provide additional support to students who need it. This amply proves that the school is committed to ensuring that every student receives a quality education and is equipped with the skills they need to succeed in life.
The Army Goodwill School Ahagam is redefining education in conflict- affected region of Shopian and Pulwama. The school’s focus on providing quality education to underprivileged and marginalized communities has had a profound impact on the lives of children in the region. Despite facing numerous challenges, the school has found innovative ways to ensure that children can continue their studies even during times of unrest. By providing quality education, the school is empowering children to break free from the cycle of violence and become agents of change in Jammu and Kashmir.
