Introduction

Pudupet village in the Gummidipondi industrial area is home to a significant population of migrant families. Due to the transient nature of their work, parents often migrate in search of employment, leading to high dropout rates among their children. This issue is compounded by the children’s inability to continue their education due to language barriers in the local schools.

The remaining three women also completed their tests and are currently under consideration for sewing machine allocation. They are expected to be called back in about one and a half months for the next steps. During the visit, it was observed that the Government offers several welfare schemes for vulnerable groups. The team also met a supportive official who is actively working to assist migrant workers and the Irula community. This official expressed willingness to help these women register with the Welfare Board to avail of government benefits. The visit was productive, and the process for sewing machine allocation is progressing steadily.

Need for an Evening Study Center

The establishment of an Evening Study Center aims to address the critical challenges faced by migrant children, ensuring they receive consistent academic support regardless of their parents’ mobility.

The center will provide

Academic Continuity: Supporting children to stay aligned with their school curriculum despite interruptions caused by migration.

Language Support: Offering language classes to bridge the gap between the children’s native language and the medium of instruction in local schools.

Holistic Development: Creating an environment conducive to learning while nurturing the children’s emotional well-being, social skills, and self-confidence.

Plan of Action

Location: The center will be set up in Pudupet village, accessible to children from the nearby migrant communities.

Target Group: The focus will be on children aged 6–14 years who are at risk of dropping out or have already dropped out of school.

Activities

Academic tutoring in core subjects.

Language enhancement programs.

Recreational activities to promote engagement and retention.

Staffing: Qualified teachers and volunteers fluent in both the local language and the migrants’ native languages will be employed.

Collaboration: Partnering with local schools, NGOs, and community leaders to identify and enroll children who would benefit from the center.

Expected Outcomes

The Evening Study Center is expected to

Reduce dropout rates among migrant children by providing them with a stable learning environment.

Help children overcome language barriers and adapt to the local school system.

Empower children with the skills and confidence to pursue education despite the challenges posed by migration.

Conclusion

The opening of an Evening Study Center at Pudupet village is an essential step towards addressing the educational needs of migrant children in the Gummidipondi industrial area. By offering targeted academic and language support, the center will ensure that these children have the opportunity to continue their education and build a brighter future.