The Salesian Province of Tiruchy has been involved in the eradication of child labourers in southern Tamil Nadu especially in an around Sivakasi in Virudhunagar District. Our first intervention was at Alangulam in Virdhunagar District in the year 1993 with a small centre known as Vidivelli, near Alangulam. The Herculean task has given rise to many other centers now.

Types of interventions

Conducting awareness programs in the villages in and around the centers using appropriate aids, street plays, and distribution of pamphlets…
A total literacy drive to enroll all the children in the School is underway
We support government programs like SSA to ensure a minimum of primary education for all.
We empower children through formation of Children parliaments
We run transit Schools to prepare children for mainstream education.
We run dropout training centers for those who cannot enter mainstream because of age and other factors
Those who are able to pick up fast are sent to the boarding schools run by us.
Some are also given chance to pursue higher education

The Need

In the coming year we want to improve facilities in our drop out centre to cater to at least 100 drop outs.
We want to extend our awareness program to 50 more villages.
There is a plan to rehabilitate at least 50 children into boarding Schools.
In ten villages, drop out rate is high because of other problems like scarcity of water and electricity which will be looked into in the coming year.
About 100 children will be helped with nutrition to enable them pursue their studies.

Centers of Intervention

Alangulam – Virudhunagar District
Melanmarainadu – Virudhunagar District
Vilathikulam – Tuticorin District
Keela Eral – Tuticorin District
Sayalkudi – Ramanathapuram District
Nettur – Tirunelveli district
Don Bosco Anbu Illam, Salem
Don Bosco Anbu Illam. Coimbatore