The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Module to prevent dropouts among girls

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Saturday, Jul 22, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Others

Module to prevent dropouts among girls

Staff Reporter

Girls are provided vocational training to draw them to schools

EDUCATING ALL: Girl students undergoing vocational training under SSA at the Municipal High School, Thirumanilayur, in Karur on Friday.

KARUR: Through an alluring yet rewarding module, an earnest attempt has been made to prevent dropouts among girls in the upper primary classes under the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan in Karur schools.

The girls studying between standards VI and VIII, are provided vocational training to imbue in them the appetite for attending school regularly.

Under the scheme, girls in the select category are provided training in tailoring, stitching, mat weaving, plastic wire bag making, toy making, dhoop stick and ink preparation, etc. even during their class hours on a daily basis. The scheme is being implemented in all the 209 identified schools in the 8 unions of the district. A total of 20,188 girls are in the upper primary classes, say SSA sources here.

In fact, the SSA extends a revolving fund of around Rs. 5,000 to each of the identified school for purchasing the required raw materials etc. for being given to the students.

An interesting aspect of the scheme is that the students could sell their wares in local exhibitions, school functions, etc. and earn while they learn.

The proceeds from the sales could be used to sponsor awards and prizes for those performing well and in recognition of merit.

The SSA, which infused the revolving fund for the programme, which was also implemented last academic year, is again expected to fund a similar module for the current year too and the students stand to gain immensely out of that.

The aim is to reduce girl child dropouts at the upper primary classes level, engender creativity among girl students and allure them to attend schools and infuse enthusiasm among the students. Around 450 girl students in the category had dropped out of studies during the last year.

The SSA authorities hope to greatly reduce that this time around.

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