PONDICHERRY: It has been more than a year-and-a-half since the tsunami struck, and still funds and helping hands are reaching out to the victims.

Since the focus is on generation next and it is the beginning of a new academic year, education has been given the priority.

As many as 75 students from tsunami affected villages in Pondicherry, including Periyakalapet, Pillaichavady and Bommayarpalam, took part in a career guidance programme.

The students, who had completed their X and XII standards, had the opportunity to learn about developing fields such as web designing, animation and software applications.

The staff of Auroville Industrial School at Irumbai, which is recognised by the Government of Tamil Nadu and supported by the German Government, explained the nuances of web designing, 2D and 3D animation, and software applications.

They also informed the students about the other courses that they could take.

The students were also told about training in earth moving equipment and heavy machinery, and diploma courses in nursing, and blood testing.

The programme was organised by World Vision India, a non-governmental organisation.

"This year, we are offering an educational scholarship of up to Rs.10,000 to students from tsunami affected areas who have completed standard X and want to join diploma courses, and to students who have completed standard XII and want to go to college or take up diploma courses.

"We are willing to bear a portion of the fees," said Praveen Kumar, Programme Manager (Pondicherry), World Vision India.

Students from tsunami affected villages in Pondicherry can contact the organisation. Candidates should possess documents such as an individual request letter, undertaking to continue studies, a letter from the panchayat, study certificate, community certificate, transfer certificate, tsunami affected certificate, and recent mark sheets.

Students who have already joined courses may produce receipts or bills for fees paid.

For further details, contact 0413 - 2202830 or 4205363.

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