KOZHIKODE: The denial of permission by the police to the NGOs to camp in the interior forests of Nilambur due to the Maoist threat has hit the schooling of Cholanayka children. The workers of the NGO, Mahila Samakhya, used to camp in the Cholanayka colonies in dense forests to persuade the children and parents to resume their education. But the police action has prevented the volunteers from visiting the colonies and interacting with the children.
As many as 13 Cholanayka children did not appear in the Indira Gandhi Memorial Model Residential School (IGMMRS) in Nilambur this academic year. Besides, 15 more children under the age of 15 have evaded schooling. “After every vacation, Cholanayka kids will be hesitant to go to the school. Great effort is needed to make them resume the schooling. We have to camp in their colonies and gain their confidence through song and dance,” says M. Rajeena, Malappuram district programme coordinator of Mahila Samakhya.
The Cholanayka tribe comprises only 300 people scattered in Mancheeri, Kannikai, Paanapuzha and Thalipuzha areas in the Karulayi range of Nilambur forests. The IGMMRS is meant exclusively for students from Cholanayka and Katunayka communities. The residential school has 462 students up to class 10 with only 80 from the Cholanayka community.
“It was difficult for them to reach school from the interior forests travelling four hours from Mancheeri colony alone. Without any persuasion, they would not return after vacation. The children have been able to cope with schooling over the years,” said R. Saudamini, headmistress of IGMMRS. Meanwhile, Malappuram Superintendent of police, Debesh Kumar Behra, told DC that permission would be granted to the NGOs provided the police accompany the workers to the colony.
