There are 284 Chennai Corporation schools. The Mayor of Chennai, Saidai Duraisamy, himself a philanthropist, offers free coaching service for IAS. In 2012, 34 candidates from his Institute got selected for the Services. So he is only too aware of the value of education and the need for a strong foundation. He was receptive to a suggestion of involving large corporates in joining hands with the Corporation to upgrade the schools as a pilot project at the primary level.

With the kind reference from the Corporation, we visited five primary schools in and around Kodambakkam. In this part of the city the Corporation has 18 schools that offer from primary to secondary and higher secondary education. Thus the Corporation gives focussed attention to developing high quality education.

We observed good infrastructure already available in the form of land and building. The primary schools visited also had computers and class rooms with fans and tube lights. The headmistresses’ rooms were also well-furnished. Another welcome feature was the quality of the restrooms and water supply. The schools had good sets of books in the library and children were allowed to use them; some schools allowed them to take books home. Parent-teachers’ meets were conducted every month and the parents were made aware of their wards’ performances.

Yet another striking feature was the Activity Based Learning method that these schools employ. It is somewhat similar to Montessorri-based learning where children learn subjects by doing group activities. The lessons were interactive and were done by the students as regular activity. Another feature was the Integrated Education for the Disabled (IED), where differently-abled students are taught in the main stream along with other children and many teachers expressed how well they were able to cope with others. The drastic change in their behaviour and the acceptance of the other students were an example of an inclusive approach.

What then is missing? The headmistress ruefully remarked, “Students”!

Can you believe demand for education in the metro teeming with around 50 lakh is not there? This is not true. There are people crying for admission to renowned private schools willing to pay a high capitation plus hefty monthly fees exceeding Rs.1000. In contrast, Corporation schools offer education free with nutritious meal, four sets of uniform, slippers, bags and books...yet, suffer for want of students!

A major issue relates to the absence of English medium from Class One. This is now being corrected with a couple of Chennai Corporation schools offering English. The second complaint relates to the absence of LKG and UKG classes. The provision of these classes would contribute to seamless entry to Class One. With a few Corporation schools already running creches, this issue is also not insurmountable.

Perhaps, Hindi may also be offered as an optional third language.

Private participation can take care of several essential requirements, like an analysis of the census of the population around, the number of children requiring primary education, their needs and aspirations. It can focus on the quality, training and management.

The objective could be to evolve these as community-run public schools with high standards. The facilities available can be integrated and put to optimum use.

We were also impressed by the passion and interest of the staff to leverage the facilities already created. The Vision 2023 of the Jayalalithaa Government is built upon nurturing a highly educated, skills-rich society. It is time the foundation for this is laid today and the children at the primary school are given the attention they deserve. 11 years hence they would ideally fit into the vision.

We suggest expeditious launching of a pilot project. (Courtesy: Industrial Economist)