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MANGALURU: Some government school teachers in Dakshina Kannada district are going the extra mile to ensure primary school children (classes one to five), for whom learning has been crippled by the pandemic, stay in touch with their lessons.

The government has not allowed regular classes for grades 1-5, but these teachers either invite children to campuses or go to their homes to impart lessons – all done voluntarily. The teachers insist their sole aim is to help children’s academic growth.

A government schoolteacher from Moodbidri said: “At the end of the day, they are our children and the pandemic has crippled their joy of learning. They are more than happy to come to campuses and learn.”

Another teacher said: “Parents are happy to send their children and the students too are enthusiastic about learning.” Most of these children are from economically backward families and don’t have access to online education. Teachers say, in a way, they are making things easier for themselves too since the government plans to promote children without conducting exams.

“Children who are promoted without basic learning will also face difficulties in grasping lessons. It will be a burden for the teacher too,” said a teacher from Bantwal. “What teachers are doing currently is laudable.”

However, not all are appreciative. Some had to put an end to their lessons after locals complained to authorities that teachers are flouting government directives by holding such classes.

“A majority of students in our school are from north Karnataka. We began inviting them to the campus for lessons, but it had to be stopped after locals complained,” said a teacher from a school in Bokkapatna. The teacher said students have completely lost touch with lessons.