Lady Willingdon Public School for Girls was established in 1922 with the sole objective of empowering girls and women through education. | Photo by R. RAGU
At Lady Willingdon Government Girls’ High School in Tripurakane, teachers are all full of praise for their students. “We are really blessed to be teaching kids who are kind and very attentive to what they teach,” says history teacher K Annamalai.
The school was established in 1922 with the support of Lady Willingdon, wife of Madras Governor Lord Willingdon, with the sole objective of empowering girls and women through education. In 1915, a school for widows called Kuppam School was set up by Sister RS Subbalakshmi along with a postgraduate teacher training institute to improve the lives of widows. “She was running a Brahmin Widows’ Hostel when she met Lord Willingdon at the Mylapore Women’s Club and requested a building for students. At the same time, a Widows’ Teacher Training Institute was also set up by Lord Willingdon to train teachers. Subbalakshmi was the first principal of this school,” says Annamalai.
Model Schools in 2019
Back then, the school catered to students from the fisherman community and children of widows and migrant labourers. It was transitioned to a higher secondary school in 1978 and converted into a model school in 2019. “Since its inception, the school has been one of the few schools in Tamil Nadu imparting education through English medium,” he added.
When the school first opened, its focus was on home economics, embroidery, art and culture. The W-shaped building was in a state of disrepair about a year ago and is currently undergoing three phases of restoration.
The campus has a playground where star players have emerged in throwball, kho-kho and football. This year, volleyball and tennis courts will also be opened. “Students are very interested in sports. We also have silambattam classes,” says principal Hema Priya.
Increase in admission fees
The school has a capacity of over 4,000 students but currently has only 500. Hema Priya says they are trying to increase enrolment this year. “We will arrange buses so that students from Kannagi Nagar, Perumbakkam and neighbouring areas can come here to study.”
The school also provides breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks to students in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 who are not covered by the state welfare scheme.
Speaking about the opportunities for students, the Principal said, “There is an increased emphasis on higher education and prospects for students are improving. Awareness among students and parents about the various options in higher education is growing along with other benefits such as 7.5% reservation in colleges. We want to continue empowering girls through education and carry on the legacy of Lady Willingdon and Subbalakshmi.”
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