The challenge
Dalit and Tribal children in Tamil Nadu faced significant barriers to education, including poverty, lack of access to quality schooling, and high dropout rates. Many children were forced into child labour, and their parents often lacked the resources or awareness to support their education.
Objectives
- Establish six supplementary evening education centres to support children’s learning.
- Ensure between 125 and 240 children regularly attend the centres.
- Encourage more Dalit and Tribal children to pursue higher education.
Why this matters
Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality. By providing supplementary education and fostering a supportive learning environment, this project aimed to empower Dalit and Tribal children to achieve their full potential and contribute to their communities.
Year 1: August 2014 – July 2015
In the first year, TNLU established seven evening education centres across Madurai and Kodaikanal, enrolling 373 children (192 girls and 181 boys). Community meetings were held to gain support, and tuition masters were appointed to teach subjects like Maths, English, and Science. Health camps addressed issues like anaemia and dental care, while exposure visits to waterfalls and temples enriched children’s understanding of nature and culture. Savings education sessions encouraged children and parents to save money, reducing reliance on money lenders. By the end of the year, children showed improved academic performance and attendance, and parents became more engaged in their children’s education.
Year 2: August 2015 – July 2016
The project expanded to eight centres, with 443 children enrolled (227 girls and 216 boys). A new centre in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar was established, and computer learning was introduced to the curriculum. Children participated in model parliament sessions to learn about governance, and exposure visits to museums and eco-parks deepened their understanding of history and environmental protection. Health camps continued to address children’s health needs and parents reported increased satisfaction with their children’s academic progress and participation in extracurricular activities.
Year 3: July 2016 – June 2017
In the third year, the project reached nine centres, enrolling 468 children (243 girls and 225 boys). A new centre in Keelavaithiyanatha Puram was established, and spoken English classes were introduced to improve communication skills. Children participated in model Lok Sabha sessions to learn about governance, and exposure visits to Aavin Diary Project and ECO Park taught them about milk production and environmental protection. Gender training sessions addressed biological growth, discrimination, and personal safety for adolescent girls and boys. Health camps continued to provide essential care, and savings habits improved. Despite challenges like language barriers and initial hesitancy in school participation, children overcame these obstacles with support from the centres.
Impact
The project not only improved the educational outcomes of Dalit and Tribal children but also empowered their families to support their children’s education. Parents became more aware of the importance of education and health, and children gained confidence and skills to pursue higher education. By addressing barriers to education and promoting health and savings, the project created a supportive learning environment that transformed the lives of marginalised children in Tamil Nadu.
Testimonials
“The centre is very useful. Now we are realising the importance of education and getting appreciation from our teachers and parents.” – A child from the education centre
“We are happy about our children’s performance in school. They are now motivated to study and save money.” – A parent
Conclusion
The Dalit and Tribal Children’s Education Project successfully created a supportive learning environment for marginalised children in Tamil Nadu. By addressing barriers to education and promoting health and savings, the project empowered children and their families to build a brighter future.
