Encouraging dropout youth to use Open University
When Dr. and Mrs. Chamala met youth in the village, some drop out students expressed a desire to go back to education by sitting for the Open University Exam. When asked why they did not pursue this education, they said that they could not afford the educational costs and that drought conditions further limited their dream of higher education. SRDF decided to cover the exam fee for these students. If they passed this Exam and were granted admission into the Open University their dream of higher education could be realized. SRDF also provided the Community Learning Centre for their studies and use as meeting place. A modest library was also provided in the centre. From this initial group, thirteen youth decided to sit for the exam, and their exam fees were covered by SRDF.
The List of drop -out youth who pursued their higher education:
1. Mr. N. Dhanraj completed a B. A. Degree 2008
2. M. Bapu Reddy is dong a second year B.A.
3. Ch. Raghuveer is doing final year B. Com and looking after his family businesses, which include a shop and agriculture. He would like to complete the Degree.
4. M. Srinivas Reddy completed his first year and is working as Gopala Mithra -a private veterinarian.
5. Ch. Narsmlu- completed his regular college and is currently working in Hyderabad. He would like to complete his B. Com to gain a better position in the teaching profession.
6. Patlolla Madhusudhan Reddy completed his first year but died in 2006 after a period of illness.
7. Begari Saibabu worked at the Milk center and now lives in Chilver and works part- time.
8. P. Narsa reddy completed his first year and now continues agriculture in Chilver.
9. Chintakayala Narsimlu no details
10. Jambige Chendrappa completed his first year and has now purchased harvesting machine and busy with this work.
11. D. Arvind Goud- completed his first year and ran local toddy (kallu) shop and now married.
12. Bingi Sangameshwar completed his first yearB. A. and is now working as a scooter mechanic in Alladurg.
13. Peddapuram Mohan Reddy completed his first year B. A. He now owns an auto and runs it for taxi purpose. He is not married.
Comments: Encouraging drop out youth is a good idea. It is gratifying to note one has already graduated and is now completing a Diploma in Computer applications. He would like to continue to Teachers training. A couple of youth will hopefully complete their degrees soon. Their degrees can be completed within 5-6 years of their enrolment. It is clear, however, the demands on youth to earn money makes it hard to study continuously. An evaluation of this program is being conducted by one of our visiting scholars, Nadia Zeaiter from the University of Queensland in Australia.
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