Sixteen-year-old Kaveri has not forgotten the initial classes in mathematics she and her two brothers received in their younger days from P.J. Rodrigues in B.C. Road. It is to the shop of Mr. Rodrigues that Kaveri and her two brothers, who lived on the streets, visited regularly to see television.
“It is because of Rodrigues Uncle I came here (to St. Angela Home) and studied in this school (the Lourdes High School, Bejai). He has been a good support to me. My teachers have worked hard to make us studious and pass in the (class 10) examination.”
Ms. Kaveri wants to do the course that Mr. Rodrigues suggests.
Full successMs. Kaveri is among the nine students from economically weaker section of the Lourdes High School in Bejai who have passed the class 10 examination. This is the first time that all the 44 students have passed from the school. “This is the best gift students have given to the school on its 50 anniversary celebration,” said Headmistress Leena D’Souza.
Ms. Kaveri, is the daughter of Parvatamma, a physically disabled woman. She has cleared the class 10 examination with a score of 294. Her classmate Sharada, daughter of labourer Ramachandra, has passed SSLC with 290 marks. Seeta, daughter of watchman Gyanappa and domestic help Rukmavva, has cleared class 10 by scoring 509 marks. It is from this school that Lavanya Padakannaya, the girl who stood first in the state in the Kannada medium, has passed out.
The Lourdes High School, which was set up in 1963, has been providing education to underprivileged children for the last several years. “Education makes a lot of difference in the lives of these children. Within our limited means we are giving our best to improve lives of these children,” said Sister Ancilla Pinto, the Correspondent of the school. While some stay at the St. Angela Home, some come from their homes.
ChallengesIt has been a challenge for teachers of the school to make these underprivileged children sit in a place and study.
“There have been times when these children have gone on work during holidays and have delayed reporting back to school. We had to get in touch with parents and relatives to get them back to school,” Sister Ancilla said. Apart from taking extra classes, these students were also allowed to stay back in the St. Angela Home to revise lessons. “Teachers have been with us to help us out of any problem – physical or psychological - that we faced,” said a confident looking Seeta.
Ms. Seeta and Ms. Sharada said they would like to study further only if their parents agree.
Ms. Seeta is slated to marry her mother’s brother. “The marriage is fixed. My brother, who has completed his degree, wants my daughter to continue studies,” said Ms. Seeta’s mother Rukmavva. Ms. Sharada hopes to attend an evening college and also help her mother as a domestic help.
