In their own way of giving back to society, Priya Ravi and her husband Ravi Kannan are conducting free tuitions for underprivileged students from Class I to X in Kottur. “Until April, we were conducting classes at a Greater Chennai Corporation-run school in Kottur. The principal was extremely supportive of the initiative. We were teaching mathematics and spoken English to Class VIII students. Gradually, parents, especially mothers, of other students came to know about this initiative and requested us to conduct classes for their children as well. This included mothers of students from other students too. Therefore, we had to stop conducting classes at the school. A traders’ association based in Kottur agreed to support our cause by letting us use their hall,” says Priya Ravi, an event management professional and a freelance editor.
Now, the couple teaches all subjects with a special focus on spoken English for students from Classes I to X.
“At present, we have 30 students. There are also children from private institutions. Their parents had modest means, and despite this, they had admitted their children in private schools. These are students who need some special coaching,” says Ravi Kannan, who took up voluntary retirement from Murugappa Group, where he was senior vice-president (defence & aerospace).
Priya handles children from Classes I to V; and Ravi, from Classes VI to X. Besides, Priya conducts classes for underprivileged women, after the classes for children are over. “Most of the women are mothers of these children. I teach them the basics of English so that they are able to carry out simple tasks such as filling forms at banks,” says Priya Ravi.
The couple is on the lookout for volunteers for this initiative. Classes for children from Classes I to V are conducted from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. and for those from Clases VI to X and for women, from 4.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Classes are conducted from Monday to Friday.
Those who may be interrested in volunteering in this initiative may call Priya Ravi at 98410 71961.
