Educating children of migrant workers

CHENNAI: Census 2011 showed that there are about 3.3 million migrant workers in urban centres all over India. That number is only expected to go up in the coming years. The highest number of migrant workers in Tamil Nadu are from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Odissa. The factor unaccounted for in these journeys for survival is the children’s education. When the parents pull up roots, the children have to follow. Most of them speak only their regional language and so are not able to continue their education. Stepping in to help such people is Aide et Action International (AEAI), an organisation working for the cause of education in 31 developing countries. By partnering with local NGOs, AEAI has been intervening for the children of migrant workers in India since 2006.  Speaking at the inauguration of a day — long State level workshop on education and protection of migrant children, Umi Daniel, Head of Migration Thematic Unit, AEAI-South Asia, said that it was difficult to account for the exact number of migrant workers or seasonal migrants. “Cities are like magnets of hope. In Tamil Nadu, there are about 15 million migrant workers,” he said, also addressing issues affecting children among this number.Mayor of Chennai, Saidai Duraisamy, who inaugurated the programme, spoke about the measures being taken by the Tamil Nadu government to provide quality education to all children. “We are  dedicated (to the cause of ) ending child labour. We are also now working on bringing the standard of education in Corporation Schools up to a better level, as it is perceived as derogatory to study in such  schools,” he added.In accordance with the Right to Education and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan schemes of the government, AEAI has asked for the provision of educational opportunities, both at the source and destination places. Education will help improve their quality of life and give them a brighter future. The workshop focussed on the issues and challenges confronting children such as migration, protection and education. A tripartite collaboration between key government functionaries, development organisations and academicians would hopefully come up with programmes, strategies and action plans to handle the issue.