On Monday, a ‘mobile school’ was out looking for street children who had discontinued studies in Vyasarpadi and Royapuram.
For NGOs focusing on child welfare and primary education, labour-dominated north Chennai continues to be a happening place.
Blame it on the poor economic status of the north Chennaiites and illiteracy prevailing among the parents, these localities continue to lead when it comes to school dropouts.
“School is not an option for us as our parents prefer that we work. I do not know about my career,” said Esther, a Class 8 dropout now attending the mobile school.
“The Vyasarpadi region has a lot of school dropouts, especially in Gandhipuram. Though the children are enthusiastic, it is sad to note that many have lost touch with books. We are slowly teaching them light subjects,” said Ms Teni Thomas, a social worker attached to Charis Foundation.
The objective of the mobile school is to identify the children and influence them to join schools.
A teacher from a Chennai school in Royapuram said, “A few years ago, we had many dropouts, but over a period of time, we have increased our strength. We will be very happy if all the parents make it a point to attend the parent-teacher meets in the school.”
A corporation official told Deccan Chronicle, “In all Chennai schools, we are bringing in quality approach towards education. In many schools, we have started providing soft skill training to students.” Regarding the issue of increasing dropouts, he said he had not received any such information.