About 35 children aged between 14 and 18 were taken on a ‘Discover Madurai’ trip here on Thursday.
Sakthi Vidiyal, an organisation which has been working for the rights of children from excluded communities for over two decades, conducted the programme.
According to Jim Jesudoss, executive director of Sakthi Vidiyal, his organisation has been conducting such programmes to meet the children’s physical, social, intellectual and psychological needs.
In the ‘Discover Madurai’ trip, the 35 children were divided into six groups, and assisted by volunteers, they were taken around different locations to learn the history and traditions of the places.
“At a time when even many long-time residents are unaware of the richness of Madurai, we thought the children from marginalised sections should know the city they live in.
They were allowed to interact with people and learn for themselves the culture and traditional values of the city,” he said.
The places
The children visited Yanaimalai, Keezhadi, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Ezhukadal Street, Tirupparankundram, District Court, Teppakulam, Mahal 10-pillars lane, Samanar Hill and Gandhi Memorial Museum, Mr. Jim said and added that the children would submit a ‘trip report’ in the form of a document shortly.
Among various other activities, Sakthi Vidiyal is also operating Child Resource Centres in six places, either in slums or close to them in the city.
