Docu addresses plight of tribal children in district

Thiruvananthapuram: ‘Vazhiyilekkulla Dooram’, a 15-minute-long documentary directed by Bincy Raj B R, addresses the issue of how the sudden closure of multi-grade learning centres (MGLC) in tribal areas in the district affected the children and their aspirations.
Minister Antony Raju inaugurated the screening of the documentary at Amuseum Art Gallery, Vellayambalam, on Thursday.
Earlier this year, the government had withdrawn the MGLC education system. A decision to secure admission of tribal students in nearby residential schools or to pick up and drop day scholars under the Gothra Sarathi project was taken. But this had drawbacks on various levels.
“The main victims are children in LP classes. Children as old as five years had to move to hostels due to the long distance from their settlements. They suffer from mental insecurity as a consequence of lack of parental attention and care, which is crucial for this age. Moreover, most of the Gothra Sarathi vehicles were crowded with children, which again defeats the purpose of a safe and fair education for all,” says Bincy.
As many as 15 MGLCs in the district, including those in tribal and coastal areas, were shut without even informing the parents.
This documentary finds its roots in Bincy’s dream to work towards the upliftment of indigenous people.
It started with her final-year project as part of her MSW course at MES College, Erumeli, which was based on the educational aspirations of students of MGLCs in Thiruvananthapuram.
Bincy was backed up by the non-governmental organization of MSW workers she is part of called ‘Nadi’.
“We were able to present the documentary and the entire research to the child rights commission. The chairman has informed us that necessary actions would be taken,” said Bincy.