A Rural School Visit -- a Pleasant One

Visiting schools and Interacting with School children is fun. And, if it happens to be a school far away from the hustle and bustle of a city, it can only be better!! This visit was  long overdue. Earlier this year, we planned to visit the school in February  but due to  my tight work schedules , had to move it  to this week of August.

As most are aware , the Ford Digital Literacy program reaches out far and wide across the country. Among many schools / Colleges/ NGO’s / Institutions that benefitted was this school that is located at MadhaPattinam, some 25 Kms ( approx. ) from the  Tenkasi  Town in Tirunelveli District. A colleague from  Ford ( thank you Geetha Paulmani ) recommended this school for Computer donations last year. Ford made  computers available to the school. The school put up a computer lab  that enabled the much needed access to Computer Education for close to 1700 children.

Just as background, the school was started by a noble soul, with all his retirement savings (after working in the Govt.) to change  the lives of the villagers in a big way, by providing  quality education to those who have no access in this particular village and its surroundings. The school is named after him. His son, who is retired Doctor  practicing out of Chennai, carries on the father’s dream . Actively involved , he looks for every opportunity to improve any of the school needs.

The visit coincided with the 53 rd Annual Day celebrations of the school. My Colleague Geetha  was also  instrumental for this visit to happen and for recommending a school that richly deserved the support.  She delivered a very interactive session with the kids which was very inspirational to everyone around. Students received my motivational stories on how to handle unexpected setbacks and gifting with no expectation very well. I am hopeful that they learn to manage life with a positive spirit and continue the chain of giving to make the world better – the very essence of Ford!

Some facts  that will give you a perspective –

Ø  The schools is just not easily accessible; but still 1700 turn up every day!! Some by Bicycles, some by walk, some by public transport to the main road and then walk!! So, one needs a great deal of motivation to get to the school!!

Ø  The number of girls outnumber the boys at school – Close to  51 % are girls

Ø  School has a centum pass out in standard 12 and close to 98 % in 10^th The school has been achieving this consistently for the past decade or so.

Ø  3 girls scored centum in History in the 12^th standard. The school topper scored 1119 out 1200. Great talent, just needs the right exposure!!

Ø  Most of the parents (parents of about 1300 children) are “rolling beedis” (Kind of local cigar) and the rest are farmers. Although they struggle to manage their livelihood, they send the kids to school which is a big change!! They understand how education can change the life of their kids .

Ø  The school and surroundings were so quiet – it was surreal to me coming from the city used to noise—we could only hear the wind !

The annual day event spoke volumes about the talent of the children – both in arranging  the event and also the culturals that followed the official event. The children were a disciplined lot during the entire event ( I have been to other places , where the teachers had to intervene to control noise levels during speeches ! ) The teachers are so dedicated to the children and school.

What is even more satisfying is, our meeting with two of  the  three girls who scored centum in 12^th    when they came to get their awards at the annual day. They both are now in College . One of them wanted to pursue Chartered Accountancy. I could see the determination in her eyes. I am sure , she will go on and complete her CA.

Things that would help the School and kids :

Ø  Exposure to outside world – visit to a factory or an Organisation  outside of their village

Ø  Career counselling

Ø  Computer Education

Ø  Guidance in general

It was nice , peaceful experience – just getting away from my regular schedules and seeing things happening at places where infrastructure ( in fact everything) is a challenge .  It is glad to  note that things are changing and issues are  being handled , tackled. And, with some assistance / intervention a Big difference can be made  for sure!!