Educational institution for school drop-outs opens

[TamilNet, Monday, 02 June 2003, 09:20 GMT]
"In addition to teachers, parents involvement is also paramount in nuturing and providing the right environment for education of children," said S. Mohanasundaram, president of Educational Development Organization, participating as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the school for reintroducing school drop-outs back into the Government school system, in the LTTE controlled area of Vakarai-Periyathattumunai village in Batticaloa district sponsored by the UNICEF, education sources said.

Mr. Mohanasundaram is also the principal of Vakarai-Kandalady Arunthathi Vidyalayam. S. Francis, a prominent social worker, presided the event.

UNICEF has been organizing schools for children under 14 years old who dropped out of schools due to poverty and war, providing an opportunity for the impoverished students to get back into the formal state educational system. The school is able to prepare the students in 6 to 12 months, based on the educational level of student to enter the normal school system, education officals said.

"Living in an under-developed area should not discourage parents in giving a good education to the children. Parents should make an attempt to communicate with the teachers to ensure that their children are settled in the school," added Mr. Mohanasundaram.

Head of Vakarai region Tamileelam Police, A.Ajanthan, speaking at the ceremony said, "Today's children are future leaders of our people. A well-rounded education is critical for future prosperity of our society in a world shrinking due to advanced technology . Our police force is doing everything necessary to resolve family, and other disputes in our community amicably. While promoting modernization of our society, we are also conscious of the need to prevent culturally degrading events getting re-introduced into our society. Students should learn to act with social responsibility."

Samurdhi official Ms. P .Uthayakumar, Aandan Kulam Head of LTTE political section S. Ravi and President of Village Development Council k. Kanapathipillai also spoke.