Each college to adopt one school: VC Madras University

Updated on: Tuesday, October 05, 2010

The University of Madras has called upon affiliated colleges to adopt a school in their neighbourhood with poor infrastructure and facilities and share their resources with it.

Speaking at a two-day event to mark World Habitat Day, vice-chancellor G Thiruvasagam said: â€œIf we allow urbanization to grow, rural areas will be ignored. So, urban progress should be restricted. But as that is not possible, we should encourage progress in a responsible way and with public participation. With this in mind we have decided to introduce the â€˜One College One School Adoption Schemeâ€™ to bridge the gap between those who can afford quality education and those who cannot.â€

Each of the 152 colleges affiliated to the university will be required to adopt a municipal or corporation school in their neighbourhood that lacks basic infrastructure and other facilities. All facilities in the college, including laboratories, libraries and other resources should be made available to the school children. Professors should draw a time table to visit the school and train teachers in pedagogical practices.

â€œEach year at least 150 schools, with 2,000 children beneficiaries in each, will gain from this scheme,â€ the vice-chancellor said.

The university also made partnership with Everonn Education to offer soft-skill training to university departments.

This mutual understanding is aimed at improving the communication skills and personality development of students and enhancing the employability of graduates. All post-graduate students will have to undergo training in language and communication skills in English, spoken and presentation skills, personality enrichment, computing skills and foreign language skills.

Everonn will establish a VSAT classroom that will allow students to enjoy the benefits of guest lectures and special sessions from experts across the country.

Each college to adopt one school: VC Madras University

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