Twenty students who encountered difficulties in learning were handpicked from the Ernakulam Government Girls' High School two years ago, motivated to study better and also excel in life. The project titled ‘Educare' was undertaken by CHILD — Centre for Health Intelligence Learning and Development, Tripunithura. A blessing ceremony was recently organised in connection with their passing out. This was the second batch to be trained under the project.
Focus on development
“In the first year, they were taught to build better self-esteem, motivation, improve learning skills, manage time better, enhance memory etc.,” said Dr. S. Girija, programme coordinator and founder director of CHILD, an organisation begun by seven mothers. “The focus in the second year was on learning mathematics, English and science using easy steps.”
The children were also taken on study tours to different places (including houses), to create awareness on energy conservation and organic farming. They also carried out surveys on these topics. Specialist trainers encouraged them to express their emotions though dance and art therapy. This year, CHILD also organised community-outreach programmes with the help of an NGO and a residents' association. The coming academic year, it would train students from three schools — the Ernakulam Government Girls' HS, the Government Vocational Higher Secondary School, Mangayil, Maradu, and the Higher Secondary School, Irumbanam.
Beginning from the coming academic year, it would also conduct career guidance and individual counselling programme for students aged 13 to 17 years, with the help of a professional group. It has also organised ‘Aaadam, Paadam, Rasikkam', an activity-based programme, from April 19 to 25 for children aged 6 to 12 years. The focus would be on handling emotions through interplay. For details, call 2782582 or 94472 57840. The organisation also arranges parents' meetings, where the focus is on better parenting, value-based teaching and handling sexual, mental and social issues of children.
