11 May 2016 PA-CN/16/14
Australia Funds Establishment of 50 Single Teachers Schools
Benefitting Women and Children in Rural Tamil Nadu
The Australian Consulate General in Chennai announced today that it will grant INR 15,00,000 to Single Teacher Schools to fund an education and women’s empowerment project in remote villages of Tamil Nadu. Funds will be provided under the Consulate’s Direct Aid Program.
Operating under the maxim that, “if children cannot go to school, schools should go to them”, funds will be provided to Single Teacher Schools to establish and operate 50 schools in 50 remote villages in Tamil Nadu.
This project provides a basic quality education to children not currently attending school, which is essential to their future livelihood,” the Australian Consul-General for South India, Mr Sean Kelly, explained. “The project will benefit approximately 1500 children who would otherwise not receive an education.”
“At the same time, the project will empower rural women through meaningful employment and community participation.” Under the project, Single Teacher Schools will provide skills training to local village women to run and operate the schools.
Program funds will be managed by Swami Vivekananda Rural Development Society.
Mr Kelly said the project was selected for its focus on improving education and employment outcomes for some of Tamil Nadu’s most underprivileged communities. “The project closely aligns with our focus in the Consulate’s Direct Aid Program on gender equality, women’s empowerment and creating greater opportunities for people living with a disability,” Mr Kelly added.
Further information on the Australian Consulate-General’s Direct Aid Program can be found at: http://chennai.consulate.gov.au/cnai/DAPDAP.html