Heartwarming Journey: Forest Dept. Transforms Lives by Safely Transporting Tribal Children to School in T.N.

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department, in collaboration with a Sathyamangalam-based NGO, has initiated a transportation solution to combat high dropout rates among students in four tribal hamlets within the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. Utilizing a 25-seater vehicle, the initiative aims to transport students from Ittarai, Thadasalatti, Mavanatham, and Ramanarai to schools in Talavadi Hills, Erode district. The absence of reliable transportation had been a significant barrier, with parents’ lack of education and poor road conditions exacerbating the issue. During monsoons, these challenges intensify, making it difficult for students to attend schools situated 5 to 15 km away. The NGO is responsible for covering the vehicle’s operational costs, including fuel, driver, and maintenance. The vehicle, equipped with surveillance cameras and a GPS tracker, will operate on a trial run, with a committee monitoring its progress to address any issues. Deputy Director of STR, Kulal Yogesh Vilas, emphasized the initiative’s potential to reduce absenteeism. This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards improving educational access for these remote communities.

Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/children-in-four-tribal-hamlets-in-tn-to-be-taken-to-school-in-forest-dept-vehicle/article68908688.ece
Category : Coimbatore
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