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Reaching out to the rural population

PUDUCHERRY: In an effort to reach out to the rural population, 18 postgraduate students of Pondicherry University are on a visit to Pottiyam village, Kalvarayan Hills in Villupuram district.

The students, pursuing Master of Social Work (MSW) at the university, would organise awareness programmes on health and education as part of the nine-day camp.

According to a press release, the camp, ‘LEVITATE 08’, which means ‘A rural awakening’, began on February 23. It would aim provide students wide-ranging orientation of the philosophy, education, occupation, economic status and culture of five villages. “MSW is one of the nine new courses started last year. This is the first rural camp for the first batch of students. We plan to conduct such camps every year,” co-ordinator G. Ramathirtham said.

The students have been accompanied by three faculty members. During the course of the camp, the students would take up topics such as education, politics, health, crime and social discrimination with the villagers.

Emphasis will also be on health and hygiene, sanitation, sexual reproductive health, human rights and HIV/AIDS awareness.

Students would also go on door-to-door visits for a household survey to familiarise themselves with the daily life and routine of the tribal population. “The survey would look at literacy levels, health and sanitation, problems of the villagers and their livelihood. In case, the survey finds any problem, then the respective authorities would be approached,” Mr. Ramathirtham said. .

The students would plant saplings in the villages. Cultural activities such as street plays, mime and songs have also been planned. A general health camp, in collaboration with government hospitals and NGOs, would be held.

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