Palakkad: Kerala's public schools will introduce 'creative classrooms' to enhance new skills alongside formal education. The initiative aims to transform 600 classrooms across the state into innovative learning environments.

These specialised classrooms will offer training in various practical fields, including wiring, plumbing, wood designing, cooking, agriculture, fashion, and electronics. The primary focus is on upper primary students from classes V to VII, though other students will also have access to these classrooms when needed.

The project is being launched under the Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) initiative, which aims to enhance the quality and governance of school education. The Centre for Science in Society (C-SiS) at Cochin University of Science and Technology will provide technical assistance, and the project will be funded through the Samagra Shiksha scheme.

In addition to student training, teachers will undergo specialised training at the district level to ensure the effective implementation of the project. The goal is to establish creative classrooms in at least one school in every panchayat over the next two years. 

Officials have confirmed that 300 upper primary schools will soon launch creative classrooms.