Brief
GCC brings back over 1,000 out-of-school children but bridge courses lacking
More than a thousand children have been re‑enrolled, yet the absence of bridge programmes leaves many unable to follow the regular curriculum.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has re‑enrolled 1,015 out‑of‑school children, placing 619 in schools and 396 in vocational programmes, but a lack of bridge courses is hindering their ability to keep up, the New Indian Express reported.
What happened
The door‑to‑door survey conducted by GCC identified children who had been out of formal education for a year or more. Those children were enrolled either in regular schools or in ITIs, diploma, polytechnic and other training programmes. The corporation’s data show 619 children entered school classrooms while 396 entered vocational streams.
What the reports add
The article notes that children placed in regular classrooms are facing greater difficulty than those in vocational programmes, where learning is largely practical. Several students said they cannot read English letters, write basic sentences or grasp fundamental concepts after their prolonged absence.
What was said
Saranya, a high‑school student from South Chennai, told the paper, “I can manage Tamil now, but English, Social Science and other subjects seem alien to me. I can’t even read or remember what I study.” She added, “I am also afraid to tell my teachers that I do not understand the concepts, especially in front of the whole class.” Sharatha, a middle‑school student, said the short remedial sessions during lunch were insufficient and that she could not understand the recent quarterly exam paper. A senior GCC official told the newspaper, “The appointment of psychologists is in the final stages.”
How it came about
The GCC’s drive follows a broader effort to bring children back into formal education after the pandemic‑related school closures that left many out of school for extended periods. Earlier Felo coverage has highlighted similar challenges in other regions, such as the reliance on transportable classrooms in Western Australia (WA schools rely on over 4,000 transportable classrooms amid enrolment surge), underscoring the nationwide need for remedial support.
Key facts
- GCC re‑enrolled 1,015 out‑of‑school children (619 in schools, 396 in vocational programmes). (newindianexpress.com)
- Many returning students struggle with basic English, reading and writing after a year away. (newindianexpress.com)
- A senior GCC official said psychologist appointments are in the final stages. (newindianexpress.com)
Sources
- [1] newindianexpress.com — originally reported as “GCC’s School returnees struggle without bridge courses”
