Small School, Big Impact: Pune Village Wins World Recognition

On the verge of closure, the Zilla Parishad school in Jalindernagar village, Pune, has now emerged as a global exemplar of public education. In a historic achievement, the school won the Community Choice award at the World’s Best School 2025  by T4 Education, a UK-based global education platform. From serving just a handful of students to becoming a hub of learning for 120 children, the school’s transformation is inspiring communities across India. Parents and local residents attribute this remarkable success to the leadership of Dattatray Ware, a President’s award-winning teacher, whose vision and dedication have turned the school into a symbol of hope for government-run institutions.Leadership That Transformed the SchoolWhen Ware joined the school in 2021, the student enrollment was down to just three to four children, reflecting the local preference for private schools. Despite limited resources, he introduced a proactive philosophy ,“Don’t wait until the government provides.” Through his initiative, Ware collaborated with villagers to upgrade infrastructure, expand classrooms, and provide essential facilities. “It is a dream-like scenario for the entire school and the village to see a government school recognized among the top schools in the world,” Ware said, highlighting the power of community-driven education.Community Collaboration: The Heart of SuccessOne of the features of this school’s transformation is its deep engagement with the local community. Villagers donated land to expand classrooms and provide better amenities for students. Skilled community members volunteer as educators, running skill-based education programs in 22 trades, ranging from carpentry to tailoring, giving children practical knowledge alongside academics. This collaboration has allowed the school to raise educational standards and retain students who might otherwise have been sent to private schools. Today, the school proudly serves children in classes 1 to 8, guided by only two full-time teachers.Innovative Learning ModelsThe school has also implemented peer learning, where senior students mentor juniors, clarify doubts, and foster a student-led environment. This approach not only improves academic understanding but also builds leadership skills, confidence, and a sense of responsibility among older students. By combining traditional classroom teaching with practical skills and peer mentorship, the school ensures students receive a holistic education that equips them for real-life challenges.Recognition on a Global StageThanks to its unique approach and community-focused initiatives, the school was initially shortlisted among the top 10 schools globally in the community collaboration category in June. The final accolade of winning the Community Choice award underscores the school’s remarkable journey and places it on the world map. This recognition proves that quality education is not restricted to elite private institutions. With dedication, creativity, and collaboration, even small government schools can compete on a global stage.Changing Perceptions About Government SchoolsThe success story of Jalindernagar school challenges the prevailing notion that private schools inherently provide better education. Parents who once preferred private institutions now choose to send their children here, confident in the quality of teaching, innovative programs, and community support. Ware emphasizes that the school’s success is a shared achievement , “It is the collective will of teachers, administration, villagers, and parents that has brought this transformation.” This sentiment reflects the human connection at the heart of the school’s achievements, showing that education is most effective when communities work together. The villagers’ contribution went beyond donations. The school upgraded its classrooms, playgrounds, and basic facilities, ensuring a safe and stimulating environment for learning. The expansion of physical space allowed the school to accommodate more students comfortably, turning it into a vibrant learning hub for the village. Lessons Beyond the ClassroomThe Jalindernagar school story is a reflection of the power of collaboration, determination, and innovation in education. It shows that effective learning is not only about infrastructure or funding; it’s about people, vision, and community spirit. By combining dedicated teaching, community mentorship, and practical skill-building, the school has created an environment where children thrive academically and socially. This model of inclusive, skill-based, and community-supported education is now being celebrated on a global scale.