KOCHI: 'Roshni' project, initiated by the Ernakulam district administration to provide educational and social uplift to the children of migrant labourers, has become a big success. The project has now entered the final list of prestigious Skoch awards 2018 in 'smart governance', given by Skoch Consultancy Services in recognition of top performing states or government organisations. "The project has been submitted to Skoch awards 2018 and has successfully passed the first two rounds of screening. We hope, the project can bag the prestigious honour," said C.K Prakash, former additional district magistrate and member of team Roshni.
The project assumes significance as more than 2,000 migrant children study in nearly 18 government schools in the district. Roshni, initiated with the financial support of BPCL limited, aims at integration of these children to Kerala society and ensure them a better future. The project rolled out in four schools in the initial phase - Union LP School, Thrikkanarvattam; Government LP School, Ponnurunni, Government UP School, Kandanthara and Government High School, Binanipuram - is now being extended to 14 more schools this year.
First phase of admission campaign will be conducted from May 21 to 31 while the second phase will be from June 11 to 22. Leaflets are being distributed in migrant labour camps and colonies to create awareness on the project. The children are provided with nutritious breakfast and regular workshops and study tours are also being conducted. The service of volunteers with proficiency in Hindi, Oriya and Bengali has been made available to easily communicate with children.
Currently 116 children are beneficiaries of the project and with its expansion the number will be increased to 750. "The project conceived as a socio-cultural bridge for migrant children envisages bringing down the school dropout rate of migrant students to zero. The initiative helped them to acquire proficiency in Malayalam, English and Hindi. Positive change has been noted among students in their academic pursuits," said district collector Muhammad Y Safirulla.
