Wayanad landslide survivors from Vellarimala school secure 100 percent SSLC pass rate again

Meppadi: Students of Vellarimala Government Vocational Higher Secondary School have once again recorded a 100 percent pass rate in the SSLC examination, continuing an extraordinary academic run despite surviving the devastating 2024 landslide in Wayanad.

This is the eighth consecutive year the school has achieved a full pass percentage in the SSLC examination.

The achievement comes less than a year after the July 30, 2024, landslide disaster that shattered lives and displaced families in the region. Following the tragedy, the school shifted to the campus of Meppadi Government Higher Secondary School after the Vellarimala school building was severely affected.

Students overcome trauma to achieve academic success

A total of 53 students from the school appeared for the SSLC examination this year, and all of them passed.

One student secured A+ grades in all subjects. The student, P. Asna, is the daughter of Mansoor and Kaulath, who are currently living in a rented house after surviving the landslide.

Before the disaster, the family lived in their home in Chooralmala. The family has not yet been included in the government rehabilitation project for survivors.

Teachers say many students are still recovering emotionally

Teachers said the students achieved the results despite continuing emotional distress and limited facilities after the disaster.

Headmaster P Abdul Muneer and senior teacher Unnikrishnan said younger children have largely begun recovering from the trauma caused by the landslide, but many students in Classes 9 and 10 are still struggling with its emotional impact.

They said the students’ determination, resilience and hard work helped them overcome the difficult circumstances.

Teachers described the result as a powerful example of survival and perseverance.

They said the children of Vellarimala have turned adversity into achievement by continuing to focus on education despite the hardships they continue to face after the disaster.