Date:04/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/04/stories/2006030419310400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

"Freedom through Education" reviewed

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI: Round Table International president Simon Cusens was in Chennai to review the progress of Round Table India (RTI) in its Tsunami Rehabilitation Programme.

Under their "Freedom through Education" project, Round Table India plans to rebuild 120 schools in the tsunami-affected areas with an outlay of Rs. 6 crore.

They have already completed work in 62 schools. RTI focuses on infrastructure, with the average school they have rebuilt having 3 to 4 classrooms, a toilet block and a playground.

The "Freedom Through Education" project was introduced in 1998 as a long term goal for the organisation that promotes community service.

They aim to educate 1 million children by 2008-2009.

RTI will introduce Sabeer Bhatia, founder of Hotmail, as their goodwill ambassador on March 9, said RTI national president Ravi Khanna, who was present at a press conference to introduce Mr. Cusens.

Actors Ajay Devgan and Kajol are already goodwill ambassadors for the organisation.