Discussion and Analysis

We (Yesh, Hemu, Partha) held a discussion with the youth group comprising of Ponnalagan, Pandian, Aandichaami, Sambapathy, Ramasamy and others.

We took up one point for discussion - Education in the village. Ponnalagan is one of the first persons to study upto XII. He helped other youngsters to study by provind them text books, arranging tuitions, following up their progress in studies etc. He ensured that 7 of them got thru XII. Two of these are doing their bachelors degree - BSW and B.Sc (Comp Sci).

He states emphatically that his priority is to get one of them into a job. If that happens, then that person will surely help the other youngsters from the village to study and get into jobs.

Since the aim was clear, we asked them, what are our hurdles?

1. The students require regular followup after they are admitted into Government hostels. Regular visits to the hostels is difficult as they have to spend from their own pockets.

2. The practice of senior students mentioring junior students is a very good practice and we shall continue that.

3. The students aspire for courses like diploma, engineering etc. But, due to fee constraint, they join whatever course they can afford. For example, one student studying BSW wanted to study veterinary science, but could afford only the BSW course.

4. The tribal students face discrimination in their colleges and hostels and authorities are biased against them.

5. The students lack information about courses, career options etc

6. The youth club needs better infrastructure for conducting classes. They need to repair the black board urgently.

7. The youth club needs one staff to run the centre, maintain the library etc.

8. The youth club needs funds for its functioning.

9. The students need support to get into jobs.

We said, ok, pick out 2-3 issues that would solve most of your problems w.r.t education.

1. Support for the students to get jobs
2. Fund support for the activities of the youth club
3. Information on courses, career etc.

At the end, we could see that the following three things could be done to support the youth club in Malaiyur.

1. Financial support.
2. Careeer Counselling.
3. Consultancy for setting up computer facilities for easy access to information.

As a first step, Ponnalagan is working on a detailed plan based on our discussion and is meeting other villagers and village leaders to mobilise funds for the youth club.