Study finds high levels of literacy in urban slums of Coimbatore

The survey covered 456 respondents in 26 urban slums

98.25 percent of children between the ages six and 12 years are enrolled in school, finds a study on literacy levels. File photo: K. Ananthan

A study undertaken in slums within the city has revealed that urban poor placed huge importance on educating their children, which they see as a key to securing a better future.

The percentage of children (boys and girls) in the age group of 6 to 12 years and from 12 to 18 years, who have enrolled in primary and secondary schools, were both found to be close to cent per cent. This implied that a majority of the children pursuing primary education went on to continue their studies, at least till Standard X, after which they could pursue a diploma or vocational course.

Undertaken on March 9 and 10 by the Social Work Department students of the Bishop Appasamy College and World Vision India, a development organisation, the LQAS (Lot Quality Assurance Sampling) survey in 26 urban slums covered a total of 456 respondents in oral interviews.

The survey also found that 87.72 per cent of the youth in the age group of 15 to 18 years were either in a school or attending a skill/vocational training course, or engaged in a livelihood training programme (excluding menial work or employment below their qualifications).

K. Vetriselvan John, Programme Manager (Coimbatore), World Vision India, told The Hindu here on Thursday that more than half the children covered in the survey could read and comprehend by the age 11, which was a good sign, that primary education system of the Government was taking education to the economically weaker sections of the society.

Quality of education

“This is significant to note in terms of the quality of education reaching the poorer sections. World Vision has planned quality education training for teachers in Government schools,” he added.

The survey was carried out in areas such as Kamarajapuram, Siddhapudhur, Haripuram, Kembatty Colony, Balasubramanian Nagar and Elgi Colony.

A team of 11 Social Work students along with Assistant Professor C. Arun Kumar, and under the guidance of Head of the Department Esther Rani, conducted the survey with Kangayam Area Development Programme (ADP) staff.

The Kangayam ADP is an initiative of World Vision India implemented among the rural communities in Avinashi and Annur blocks of Coimbatore district for more than a decade.