Development project for underprivileged students

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The District Administration has embarked on a comprehensive development programme for underprivileged students. The pilot phase of the project will be implemented in Karimadom colony and Rajaji Nagar colony in the city.District Collector K Vasuki said the project will be extended to different places in phases. “It aims at making the children confident, their mental and social development and protection,” she said. A meeting chaired by Vasuki the other day, finalised the activities that have to be conducted in the first phase.

As per the plan, all students in the selected colonies will get a personal guide to improve their studies and career guidance. Balasabhas will be formed for students of different age groups. Infrastructure facilities for studies will be provided.  Skill development and art education are also part of the development programme. School dropouts will be given assistance to sit for equivalency examinations.Experts will chart out personalised development programme for children based on their aptitude, strength and weaknesses. Poor children will be given financial assistance for studies and will be encouraged to participate in art and cultural programmes. Public vigilance committees in the areas will be strengthened. Counselling will be given to students to identify their issues with studies. Anti-drug campaigns will be conducted with the help of residents’ associations.

Departments and agencies which will participate in the programme are Women and Child Development department, District Child Protection unit, city corporation, Kudumbashree, departments of police, excise and education, cultural, political and voluntary organisations, non-governmental organisations, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, ICDS and Childline.

A survey and preliminary study for the pilot phase has been completed, according to District Child Protection officer K K Subair. Blue Point CEO Baby Prabhakaran explained the project. 
Excise Inspector C K Anilkumar, Bindu Augustin, S Saritha, R Fathima Beevi, S R Vighneswar, Tony James, Ramesh Krishnan, S G Beenamol, A Shaina and S Aswathi attended.