Kerala School Reopening: Students Won’t Have To Carry Textbooks For First 2 Weeks. Here’s Why – News18

Schools across the country have now closed for summer vacation, with reopening dates varying by state based on the intensity of the heat. In Tamil Nadu, schools are set to reopen on June 2. With the onset of the southeast monsoon bringing some relief from the heat, officials have indicated that a postponement of the reopening is unlikely. (News18)

Respective state governments are taking appropriate measures ahead of the reopening of schools after the summer break. In this regard, the Kerala government has announced that textbooks will not be required for the first two weeks after schools reopen. Instead, social awareness classes will be held during this period. (News18)

The Kerala General Education Department has stated that the first two weeks of the 2025–2026 academic year will be dedicated to social awareness sessions, rather than the usual textbook-based curriculum. This initiative, the first of its kind in the country, aims to educate students on a range of social issues. (News18)

Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty said awareness campaigns will cover topics such as drug abuse, the destruction of public property, and emotional regulation. “For two weeks, children will not be reading textbooks but will take part in awareness sessions and discussions on various topics,” Sivankutty said. (News18)

He also noted that guidelines have been drawn up for the two-week awareness programme, with the involvement of experts from the police, excise department, child rights commission, social justice department, National Health Mission, Women and Child Development Department, Kerala State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), and other relevant agencies. (News18)

Topics expected to be covered include substance abuse, managing violent behaviour, environmental and personal hygiene, emotional regulation, healthcare, and legal awareness. (News18)

Students from Classes 1 to 10 will participate in the two-week sessions starting from June 2, while higher secondary students will undergo a similar programme for a week starting July 18. Schools will also modify their schedules to ensure sufficient time is allotted to arts, sports, and social education. (News18 Tamil)