The Hindu : Front Page : Plan to boost literacy rate among women

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Sep 12, 2007
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Plan to boost literacy rate among women

M. Balaganessin

PUDUKOTTAI: The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation will shortly launch a special women’s literacy programme at Annavasal in the district using a software package developed by the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

The programme that will benefit women in the age group of 15-35 years will be conducted in phases throughout in coordination with the Village Knowledge Workers of the Foundation, besides volunteers.

The Foundation has established Village Knowledge Centres at eleven villages in the district -- Merpanaikadu (Aranthangi block); Mazhaiyur (Karambakudi block); Vamban Four Road and Kallalankudi (both in Tiruvarankulam); Meivazhisalai, Melapatti, Malaikudipatti and Parambur (all in Annavasal); Onankudi and Arimalam (both in Arimalam); and Viralimalai in Viralimalai block.

Availability of computers at the centres would facilitate smooth conduct of the three-month programme, the Project Co-ordinator, R. Rajkumar told The Hindu here on Tuesday.

The software would help in imparting basic literacy, functional literacy and numeric knowledge in accordance with the norms of the National Literacy Mission. He pointed out that the district’s male literacy percentage was appreciable, but in the case of females it was found wanting. An estimated 53,000 women in the age-group 15-35 years were illiterate and the programme would cover a section of them at these eleven centres.

Educated members of women SHGs and volunteers from NGOs would also be involved in the exercise.

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