All the 45 children mainstreamed by the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) have done well in the SSLC examination this year.
In the higher secondary examination too, a group of such children presented a creditable performance, making the district proud.
Only one private candidate, who studied in a tutorial college, was unable to make the grade. K. Ramesh Kannan of Kalaimagal Higher Secondary School, Tiruthangal, topped the list with a score of 479 on 500. He was involved in dyeing cracker dummies at a manufacturing unit.
Ramesh Kannan, who lost his mother to cancer at an early age, wants to be a doctor. “I want to serve poor children like me,” says the son of a printing press worker.
NCLP Instructor M. Sivajothi recalled that he was identified at the age of eight years and mainstreamed after one and a half year’s training at the centre.
“The NCLP follows up these children till they complete Plus Two. Non-governmental organisations like the Chennai-based Udavum Ullangal provide financial assistance for their schooling. We also find sponsors for their higher education,” says T. Narayanasamy, Project Director.
Five students have scored over 450 marks. T. Ranjithkumar of A. V. Higher Secondary School, Sattur (472), and M. Ponselvan of Kamak Higher Secondary School, Krishnaperi, (462), have been ranked second and third. The achievers include five Dalit students, 21 MBC students and 16 BC students. Fourteen students have scored above 400.
