Starting August, the elementary students across government schools took to colours and brushes to paint various educational concepts on their respective campuses.In Malda, the district administration is boosting innovative elementary education in government schools by bringing alive the corridors with educational art. From painting alphabets and numbers to geographical maps, solar system and mathematical concepts on the schools’ walls, corridors and staircases, nearly 3,000 schools have been transformed under the administration’s ‘Walls to Canvas’ initiative.Starting August, the elementary students across government schools took to colours and brushes to paint various educational concepts on their respective campuses.Rooted in the Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) concept , the ongoing project will continue its rollout and review process through September 10, district officials said. The BaLA framework has been pioneered by architects alongside UNICEF and integrated into the national Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, to leverage low-cost physical infrastructure for improved retention, participation and inclusivity, particularly for children with special needs. Rooted in the Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) concept , the ongoing project will continue its rollout and review process through September 10, district officials said.Referring to the pedagogical shift behind the campaign, Malda District Magistrate Rajanvir Kapur said in a written statement, “‘Walls as Canvas’ is not just a beautification drive; it is a redefinition of how our children experience their classrooms… When a child learns the alphabet or a multiplication table simply by walking down a corridor, we have turned every wall of the school into a silent teacher,” he said.Leaders laud ‘Walls as Canvas’ initiativeLocal representatives and state leaders praised the administration’s large-scale effort to transform everyday campus spaces to reinforce foundational literacy for students. The BaLA framework has been pioneered by architects alongside UNICEF and integrated into the national Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, to leverage low-cost physical infrastructure for improved retention, participation and inclusivity, particularly for children with special needs.Lauding the initiative, Maldaha Uttar MP Khagen Murmu said such creative use of school infrastructure reflects the district administration’s commitment to making government schools more engaging and effective for children from all backgrounds.English Bazar MLA Amlan Bhaduri said that the visually enriching learning spaces will help children, especially in rural areas, in developing stronger foundational skills in a joyful manner.Story continues below this adAppreciating the initiative, Minister of State Joyel Murmu said other districts should also follow similar models to strengthen the quality of elementary education through low-cost and high-impact infrastructure innovation. Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. 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