Model school bag

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

After many experiments and analysis the Ministry of Education has introduced a model schoolbag for schoolchildren since certain experts have pointed out that a heavy back pack carried by schoolchildren could be harmful to their physical growth.

The model schoolbag has been designed in line with the steps taken by the Education Ministry to minimize the weight of heavy schoolbag. Accordingly, the model bag which comes under the back-pack model along with waist band will be available in the market from next year.

From 2011 only the standard model schoolbag will be made compulsory for schoolchildren. Having analysed many models, a team of experts including doctors were deployed by the Education Ministry to look into the issues related to heavy schoolbag. Subsequently, they have designed this back-pack type school bag.

“We considered and analysed many bag samples even from England. Having considered several elements, this sample bag was introduced,” Commissioner for Education Publications N.M.J. Pushpakumara said.

Measures have been taken by the Education Ministry to motivate bag manufacturers to enter into schoolbag manufacturing process.

The interested parties can obtain registration at the Education Ministry as bag manufacturers and they will be given necessary instructions. “Thereafter the registered bag manufacturers can manufacture and market the schoolbags,” he added.

Additionally, heavy text books will come as volumes from 2011 as they have been found to be the major reason for a heavy schoolbag. Accordingly, a volume will contain a few sections of lessons.

Moreover schoolchildren are further advised not to use heavy exercise books which have many pages from 2011.

“The Education Ministry appreciates it if only exercise book has 80 pages or less. “As a result of this series of actions, schoolchildren will have a lighter schoolbag,” Pushpakumara noted.