Education and Hostel Support for Vulnerable Boys

ICT Partner, the Rotary of Madras, runs the Gummidipoondi Education Programme which is based in Gummidipoondi in Tamil Nadu close to the border of Andhra Pradesh.

The programme supports boys from the surrounding poor rural areas who are at risk of missing their schooling due to working to help their families who are extremely poor. Vulnerable boys are identified when missing school and working in the fields, or factories, or cleaning vehicles. They are from families where illness is common, households are often signal parent headed, parents are uneducated, work for daily wages (coolies), and are unaware of the benefits of education to their children’s future.

The boys are enrolled into local schools, and into the Gummidipoondi hostel. They stay in the hostel for term time and return to home during holidays. Gummidipoondi staff ensure a secure environment for the boys including accommodation, meals, medical and health supervision, support to go to school, liaison with schools personnel, homework support, sports and leisure activities and cultural and educational outings. Boys also become familiar with options for further education, training and work. They often visit colleges or workplaces, organised by Gummidipoondi staff, to gain familiarity with various options once schooling is complete.

School access

Helping vulnerable boys return to school, stay in education, and keep learning.

Hostel support

Providing accommodation, meals, health supervision, homework help, and daily care.

Future pathways

Introducing boys to further study, training, and future work opportunities.