Date:12/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/12/stories/2008121258050200.htm

Tamil Nadu

English coaching for Adi Dravida students

Staff Reporter

KARUR: Empowerment of the under-privileged could be brought about in several ways _ one such means is developing their communication skills and enabling them to speak and write with command.

If the language happens to be English, then the effort is all the more fascinating.

What imports added significance to this particular endeavour of the teachers in Karur district is that the target beneficiaries are all young students belonging to the downtrodden Adi Dravida community.

The Department of School Education drafted the plan to enhance the English language skills of the Adi Dravida students from standards three to five by imparting special training.

It envisages organising a special workshop in each of the eight panchayat unions in Karur district by identifying a school in each union.

Government Higher Secondary School, Thanthonrimalai, Municipal High School, Kottaimedu, Karur, Government HSS, K. Paramathi, Government HSS, Aravakurichi, Panchayat Union Elementary School, Kadavur, Government HSS, Lalapet, Mariamman Temple Middle School, Kulithalai, and Government HSS, Thogamalai, were thus identified as centres where the special English language training could be imparted to the students. It has also been planned to conduct the special training camps between 9 a.m. and 12 noon during weekends.

Another special feature of the programme is to run the show fully with the support and help of teachers who are willing to impart training to the students voluntarily and with a service motive.

“The programme has been drafted with a view to empowering the downtrodden children towards their social development and imbuing self-confidence,” according to Collector J. Umamaheswari.