Source : The Hindu Date : 10.06.2009

Awareness rally on children’s education

Staff Reporter

— Photo: S.R.Raghunathan

Rehabilitate: Corporation school students take part in a rally organised by World Vision India in collaboration with Sarva Siksha Abhiyan in Chennai on Tuesday.

CHENNAI: A rally to create awareness of child labour and education for children was organised by World Vision India in collaboration with Sarva Siksha Abhiyan here on Tuesday. It was part of the Chennai street children prevention and rehabilitation project.

Students of various Corporation schools participated in the rally. “As the mechanic shops in Chintadripet attract many children, the number of child labourers in the locality is relatively higher,” said S. Basavaraj, Child Development Coordinator, World Vision India.

Parents who are reluctant to send their children to school have to be persuaded by teachers of schools nearby, said Catherine Paduva, a teacher who participated in the rally.

“Child labourers are also provided pieces of advice on the advantages of going to school,” she added. Some students who had obliged and started coming to school, however, are continuing to work as child labourers during holidays, said Mr.Basavaraj.

Drop out of students has been reducing in the schools of the locality because of government intervention, said Ms.Paduva.

Awareness of education has to improve among all slum-dwellers. The government is taking measures on creating awareness among the parents also, said Mr.Basavaraj.