Chennai: Many government schools that became home for scores of residents during the floods have been left far behind in terms of receiving government relief.
In an effort to help these schools get back on their feet, a volunteer group is mapping the location of the schools and drafting a detailed report of the impact of floods, including a list of the needs of each school.
Ramanan Jaganath, a software professional and one of the volunteers at Tamil Nadu Floods Education Supplies (TNFES), said the idea originated after one of his friends and founder of TNFES, Shridhar Venkatraman asked him to check up on a government school in Seemenchery, where he had been volunteering.
“With more than four feet of water the desks had broken, blackboards ruined, toilets clogged and all stationery washed away,” explained Jaganath.
The realisation led to the setting up of a Facebook page where people around the city showed interest in helping out. Venkatraman decided to map the schools. “We visited about 30 to 35 schools in the last two months and have mapped their locations,” he said.
Volunteers approached companies and social welfare organisations to find funds. Schools have not only been impacted by floods but also face other problems such as lack of toilets, inadequate furniture and unhygienic kitchens.
