Child Protection unit to conduct talent spotting project.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When officials of the District Child Protection Unit interacted with kids in Rajaji Nagar Colony, once notorious as Chenkalchoola, most had just one pain to share: their teachers ignore them once they realise they are from the colony. "There have also been instances when kids who have won at sub-district level were not taken by certain teachers to the revenue level simply because they were from this colony," said K.K. Subair, district child protection officer.
This revelation has prompted the District Child Protection Office to quickly unveil a 'talent spotting and grooming' project for the colony. The objective is to identify talented kids, groom them and transform them into future stars. It is also an attempt to turn the tables on the apathetic society around the colony. "We hope that these children will in ten year's time change how the rest of the world views the colony," Subair said. The 'talent identification' camp will be held in three phases, for three age groups.
Each age group will be given three days. For children between the age of 7-9, the camp will be held from January 21 to 23. For those in the age 10-12, it will be held from February 4 to 6. For those in the age group 13-15, it will be held from February 10 to 12. There are over 4000 families living in the 900-odd flats and 500-odd shacks within the colony that spreads over an area of 11.26 acres.
The total population of the colony will be around 6000. Of this 35 percent are kids. Most of these kids study in the nearby government or other private educational institutions. "However, it has been found that there are no opportunities within the colony, nor in the schools they study, for these children to express or nourish their talents and skills," Subair said. There are no libraries or reading rooms within the colony either.
