Nearly 10% of migrant children enrolled in public schools across Ernakulam had to leave their education unfinished after uncertainties triggered by the outbreak of COVID-19 forced their parents to return to their native States.

Children from 92 migrant families left the State following the crisis. As many as 1,222 migrant children belonging to 922 families were enrolled in lower primary and upper primary classes in 37 public schools under the district administrations Roshni project, according to official estimates. The project aims at enhancing the academic performance of migrant children through improved language proficiency.

However, a majority of families stayed back just for the sake of their childrens education despite the odds faced by migrant workers these times. Our volunteers were successful in constantly engaging with parents and ensuring that their children did not lose out on the opportunity to learn, said C.K. Prakash, general coordinator, Roshni.

A survey showed that as many as 38 migrant families had no access to television and smartphone. As many as 325 of the 922 families surveyed owned televisions with cable connection, while 421 had no television but owned smartphones with WhatsApp to receive notes and assignments.

Thirty-five families were found staying near schools and libraries where the authorities had made arrangements for online classes. Eleven families were found sharing a television set to attend classes. Four families that left for their home towns informed Roshni volunteers that they had smartphones to access digital classes.

Mr. Prakash said online learning facilities had been made available at common centres set up at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School and at an anganwadi at Perumbavoor, which has large concentration of migrant families. Trained volunteers have also taken steps to translate classes held in Malayalam and aired through Victers channel, he said.

You have reached your limit for free articles this month.

To get full access, please subscribe.

Already have an account ? Sign in

Show Less Plan

Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.

Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.

Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.

A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.

A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.

We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.

*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.

Read the original here:

Nearly 10% of migrant children in district quit schooling - The Hindu