metro india news  I visakhapatnam

For the students of MJPAPBCWREIS residential school in Kothavalasa, Thursday morning was unforgettable for more reasons than one.  Sir David Beckham, former England football captain and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, casually dropped into their campus to have a look at the Project-Based Learning (PBL).

The school is part of a programme supported by Mantra4Change and Education that aims to transform classrooms in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha and Nagaland. Beckham began his visit by joining an ongoing PBL session, where students led discussions, analysed problems and worked through tasks that encouraged collaboration and critical thinking.

He later explored a small exhibition created by the children, featuring projects in English, Mathematics and Science. Each display highlighted how the programme encourages students to design solutions inspired by real-life situations around them. He later took part in tree planting programme and listened to students explain about the nitty-gritty of planting. He also joined a reading circle and talked with the girls about the stories that fuel their imagination. The four-hour visit ended on an energetic note with a one-touch football drill, drawing cheers across the school grounds.

Sharing a glimpse of his visit on Instagram, Beckham wrote: “Great day in India going back to school supporting Education Above All’s project based learning initiatives—so much fun.” “It gives us great joy that Sir David Beckham chose to visit one of our MJP schools,” said P. Madhavi Latha, secretary, MJPAPBCWREIS. “His presence in Kothavalasa reminds us that with intent and dedication, extraordinary things can happen.”