Mathruka sets an example, yet again

Cent per cent pass in SSLC examinations might have become passe for most private schools and many in the government sector what with the percentage of successful candidates at the State level hovering around the 100 per cent mark.

But for an institution that is dedicated to uplifting students caught up in poverty and lack of exposure, a cent per cent pass is a moment to celebrate.

Mathruka, a fine example of volunteerism in the city, is celebrating such a success now, having ensured the victory of all its students who had appeared for the SSLC examinations, two of them with A Plus.

Mathruka, a centre for learning, which has been setting an example for the past 34 years by guiding children from mostly poor families to achieve their educational goals, had given special training and support to 30 SSLC candidates this time.

Of them, Aswathy Mohan and Vishnupriya got A Plus and, of the rest, 21 came out with impressive performance. “We have several limitations, but our efforts have not been affected any such obstacle,” says P.S. Gopakumar, principal of Mathruka, situated on a 5-cent plot at Muttathara.

“A pipe from the nearby sewage farm runs close to our classroom. The students often say they are afraid that the pipe may burst any time given the heavy flow inside,” he says. Mathruka is not focused on rote learning. Its attempt is to create awareness among its wards of social processes and to foster scientific temperament among them. It has been holding seminars and symposiums and an annual conclave on science and society.

An initiative of the Young Challengers’ Club dating back to 1982, Mathruka gives free tuition to about 250-300 students of nearby government schools every year.

“We have learnt to live without limitations and we don’t go after anyone for support. Most of us who teach here were students here once and we are just paying back our debt by trying to help the younger ones,” says Mr. Gopakumar.

Mathruka has 34 years of service as a centre for learning

It gave training to 30 SSLC candidates this time

Mathruka had given special training and support to 30 SSLC candidates this year.