Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Mar 13, 2008
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Online edition of India's National Newspaper Thursday, Mar 13, 2008 ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version |
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Tamil Nadu
Bright future: V. Gomathi (left) and R. Dhivya, Standard VIII students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya - T.N. Palayam, pursue education, thanks to Sarva Siksha Abiyan programme. — T.N. PALAYAM (erode dist): V. Gomathi is a State topper in the recently held Elementary School Leaving Certificate (ESLC) examination for school dropouts and private candidates. She secured 438 out of 500 marks. The 13-year-old girl, who now holds pen until recently held a ladle to take care of her family, after dropping out of school. “I stopped schooling to take care of my seven-year-old brother, a Class One student. And, do domestic chores as well.” Gomathi stopped schooling about two years ago when she was in Class Six. She was at home for a little over six months, before volunteers from the education for all scheme, Sarva Siksha Abiyan (SSA), took her to the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV). Same is true of her classmate R. Dhivya, who stands second with 429 marks. The girl from Surampatty in Erode dropped out of school to support her family. “I stopped schooling and, instead, went to a book binding factory to support my family.” The girl worked for Rs. 150 a week to support the family of four. She too was out of school for over six months before being brought back to the KGBV. At the KGBV, run by SSA, the girls get to have free education with board and lodging for three years. They restart learning from where they left to take an ESLC certificate. There are six KGBVs in the district, all of which play host to children, only girls though. The schools also accommodate girls, who have never entered the portals of a school. SSA staff say children never enrolled in school can also study, provided they are between 10 and 14 years old. In the six KGBVs, 211 students pursue their dreams, just as Gomathi does. Civil servant“But for the T.N. Palayam KGBV, my dreams of becoming a civil servant to help school dropout children like me would have been shattered,” says the girl with tears. She says she desired to become a Collector, after learning from news clipping of how a Collector helped children pursue education. Like her, Dhivya wants pursue medicine to help girls like her elder sister, who is mentally challenged. From the KGBVs, each of which are run by NGOs, the girls will move on to regular schools to pursue Class Nine. Murugan Medical and Educational Trust runs the T. N. Palayam Vidyalaya.
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