Nainarkuppam :

Nainarkuppam – Non-formal Education Centre and other Activities

Nainarkuppam is a small fishing village near Mahabalipuram on the east coast of Tamil Nadu. The Non-formal Education Centre, born out of early research in which night-blindness in children was identified and alleviated, responds to their academic needs. A study done by a Swedish group in 1987, found that not all the children went to school, some preferring to help with fishing activities. Share and Care started a night school and Non-formal Centre. Two teachers were appointed, and children were encouraged to attend classes in language (Tamil), math, geography and science.

Currently, children who wish to attend the government school are helped to elevate their level. Once they enrol in school, they can then use the Non-formal Centre as a place to do homework and get help. For children who do not want to go to formal school, the Non-formal Centre is available for them to continue their studies. Many children have been helped to get through 10th Standard and higher. This opens avenues of work previously unavailable to them.

Share and Care participates in the life of the village in other ways as well. Every public holiday or festival, Share and Care collects the children so they can participate in flag hoisting and other festive activities. They are encouraged to be good citizens through songs, respect for elders, and appreciation of their history.

The Tsunami of December 2004 washed over Nainarkuppam, breaking many of the levees, and carrying away a few homes. Share and Care provided assistance by giving utensils, provisions and clothes. On the fourth day they held a medical camp, which helped ease some of the injuries—many children had respiratory infections, bruises, deep and superficial cuts, scraped skin, and other ailments. Doctors provided treatment and medication free of charge. Counsellors worked with women whose houses had been washed away and were particularly psychologically traumatized.

Almost two years later, the fear of the sea is still there: one of Share and Care’s teachers had the horrifying experience of being carried away by the waves, and is alive today only because her brother-in-law saved her. Her whole house and all her belongings were completely washed away. She remains fearful of the sea.

Share and Care has been able to help in this village for many years, thanks in part to funding from a generous Swedish professor and other individual donors. As a result of circumstances this funding is no longer available, and now there is danger that the Non-formal Education Centre may have to close. All donations for this programme are gratefully welcomed.