Mangaluru: NGO plans special camps to motivate kids in tribal regions

MANGALURU: Lack of access to internet and devices has hampered the learning of children in far-flung tribal communities. To address this problem, NGO Sahyadri Sanchaya plans to launch a twomonth programme called ‘Vana Belaku’ in remote pockets of Uttara Kannada.
Under the initiative, which will begin on December 3, camps to spur creativity and personality development will be organised in the areas.
“During my recent visits to tribal villages, I realised that most of the students had become dull after closure of schools in March, when the pandemic began. We have identified 15 resource persons, who will organise activities to pique the children’s curiosity again and motivate them,” said Dinesh Holla, convener, Sahyadri Sanchaya, which works for upliftment of tribal children and conservation of the Western Ghats. “We hope to reach out to more than 500 children from the Siddi, Halakki, Kunbi and Gouli communities. The programme is supported by NRI Vasudeva Aithal Panambur.”
Aithal, who is based in the US, has been supporting the education of children from tribal and backward communities for many years now.
The NGO said that camps with small groups of students would be organised and all Covid-19 protocols would be followed. “We plan to run these camps for two months, but we will extend the programme if schools remain shut for a longer period,” Holla said. Meanwhile, Mangalore Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited has decided to donate Rs 5 lakh, so schools in tribal areas can buy benches and other furniture.