Pattakanus steers youth in the Hills to achieve economic prosperity
through IT and English:
A golden opportunity for underprivileged
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S.A.Thiagaraja
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Empowering the rural community with English and Information
Technology is a prerequisite to achieve economic prosperity in the
country.
Pattakanus, the pioneer gold merchants in the country has provided a
golden opportunity for the underprivileged children of the plantation
sector to improve their knowledge on English and IT at the Hill Country
Development Centre (HCDC) in Hatton.
The emergence of information technology has made it mandatory for
those desiring to excel in a profession to be conversant in English and
be computer literate.
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A class in session |
The plantation sector has been disadvantaged for many reasons and as
a result lag several years of development.
The poor infrastructure and lack of facilities have hampered growth
in the sector for several decades.
The demand for quality education among the younger generation has
gone unheeded and they seek opportunities for a better living and
prospects for a brighter future.
The HCDC is a home for the less privileged offering a host of
educational opportunities for youth and adults to venture into a new
stream of employment that has more prospects.
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The Hill Country Development Centre |
Since the soft opening in August last year the institute has enroled
over 150 students for English and computer education.
The HCDC has sponsored three university students and plans to extend
this program to more students.
Chairman, Board of Trustees, S.A.Thiagaraja said the aim of the
institute is to steer the youth in the hill country in the right
direction and secure their future.
"Our school welcomes the poorest of the society and trains them to be
rich in every aspect", he said.
" Where there is sacrifice there is love", the inspiring words of
Mother Teresa has been the tower of strength in all endevors",
Thiagaraja said.
Over 30 percent of the intake are provided free education. Currently
87 students follow English classes and 38 children between three and six
years are in the nursery.
In addition the institute offers programs on health and nutrition,
sewing, eye camps, video presentations and training of English teachers
to serve in rural schools.
The Pattakanus Foundation installed a computer lab at the Hadley
Tamil Vidayalam in Hatton and plans to improve other facilities in the
school.
(LF) |
