Kalpetta: To check school dropouts and their continued absence from classes among ST students, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) will start 75 ‘Ooru Schools’ in the district from December 23.
According to district collector B.S Thirumeni, the dropout percentage is a cause for worry in classes 1-8. “26 such schools will be commenced under the Block Resource Centre (BRC) in Sulthan Bathery, Mananthawady and 23 schools under Vythiri BRC,” he said.
The first step was the two-day training programme that was held for Vidya Volunteers.
As many as 75 ‘Vidya Volunteers’ with a minimum qualification of plus-two would be appointed in each BRC on a monthly honorarium of Rs 6000. The volunteers will work based on ‘Ooru Kendrams’. Volunteers will reach the tribal colonies at 8 am everyday and bring students to school. Again, they would reach the school in the evening to organize recreational activities. Further, food and other supplements would also be provided.
Various cultural-sport programmes which inspire schooling and education will be held at Ooru Kendrams during the Christmas vacation except on Sunday.
The worksheet will be prepared in English, Malayalam and Mathematics. The academic activities from January to March would be planned according to the worksheet. Ooru School will function at each gram panchayat/municipality area.
“Retired teachers and other experts should be roped in to help the Vidya volunteers,” is one of the decisions at the meeting that was convened by educational standing committees in all local government institutions on December 22.
