This is the incredible school where the headteacher's unique dedication to handwriting practice means EVERY pupil is ambidextrous.
Only ten percent of the population are left-handed, and only ONE percent can write with both hands. But all 300 students at Veena Vandini School in India can write with both their left and right hand, with some able to do both at the same time—in different languages.
Every 45-minute lesson features 15 minutes devoted to handwriting practice, to make sure all students at the remote rural school have the skill.
The school, which was founded in 1999, is located in a remote area, in Singrauli district, Madhya Pradesh. School founder and former solider Vp Sharma said he was inspired to demand the lessons by India's first president.
“I read in a magazine that Dr Rajendra Prasad used to write with both hands. This inspired me to give it a try. Later, when I launched my school at my native village, I tried training the students.
“We began training students from standard I and by the time they reach standard III, they were comfortable writing with both the hands. Students of standard VII and VIII can write with speed and accuracy. Further, they can write two scripts simultaneously, one with each hand.
“Students also know several languages, including Urdu.”
Mr Sharma said their unique dedication to handwriting led South Korean researchers to visit and study the pupils two years ago, to find out more about ambidexterity.
