3,000 dropouts back into schools

Rayadurgam (Anantapur): About 3,000 school dropouts were brought back to study tables in rural and urban areas in government and municipal schools, thanks to the initiative taken by journalist-turned-Minister Kalava Srinivasulu under the ‘Chaduvula Vodi’ scheme.

A survey was conducted in 2016 on the status of girl education. The findings of the survey revealed that children are quitting schools and joining menial jobs due to worst economic conditions. During the past 3 years, the Minister's initiative has brought back 3,000 such school dropouts.

Kalava Srinivasulu told The Hans India that he was happy for bringing back 3,000 children not by threats of action or coercion but by convincing them of a great future and a better life.

In fact, many girls, who dropped from studies due to misfortunes plaguing their families actually jumped up at the Minister's own offer to educate them with the help of donors and several of them could complete junior college studies and even graduation to secure respectable jobs.

A beaming Ishwarya from Gummagutta mandal, who discontinued studies, due to the sudden death of her mother Kamakshi and her father turning mentally derailed.

A family of two brothers and sisters were admitted in the Kasturba Ashram School. Ishwarya could successfully complete her 10th grade and pursue her intermediate education as her education was sponsored by philanthropists.

K Lavanya of Gummagutta mandal was also a victim of misfortune. She had five sisters and brothers, who dropped out of schools and college. Lavanya could complete her intermediate education due to the scheme aimed at bringing back school and college dropouts. She scored 92 points in her final examination. 

Keerthi and Veena, Intermediate students also have a similar story to share. In the 2016-17 year itself, about 874 children were brought back to schools. In the Rayadurgam, civic schools alone admitted 350 children, who came back to mainstream education.

An action plan had been drawn for boosting education infrastructure including launching of model schools and college hostels and even conducting medical examination to 12,000 school students to make sure of their good health. 

In 2017-18, 942 children returned to schools. They were all given school bags, note books, clothing and tri-cycles to the physically disabled. Kalava said that this was an apolitical programme being implemented to bring about a sea change in the rural children’s lives.