Pudumai Palli project: UK Minister visits Corporation school

The students interacted with the dignitaries and even played the game of charades with them. The teachers were impressed with the improvement in the students’ English-speaking skills. 

The Pudumai Palli Project: Developing Innovative Schools in Chennai (P3DISC) was implemented in over 70 corporation schools by the British Council in partnership with the Greater Chennai Corporation in 2015. 

As part of the project, they work towards improving the livelihood prospects of students, particularly girls. 

Student clubs are formed through which they involve themselves in social initiatives. “Being the heads of the student clubs has boosted the confidence of the girls 

in terms of their leadership skills and 21st century skills, including English language. 

The clubs have become aware of a number of social issues, including child labour, drug abuse, environmental issues, sanitation as part of school level projects,” explains Mei-kwei Barker, Director, British Council, South India. “Around 65 per cent of the club leaders are girls. It is important that boys are involved in this project and made to co-ordinate with girls who are leading the team. This is what will make the change,” he further said. 

R Lalitha, Deputy Commissioner (Education), was also present on the occasion. She pointed out that most of the students in the high schools come from a disadvantaged background. 

“For them speaking, learning and interacting in English is a big deal. This is the second year of the project and the growth is tremendous. The teachers in the schools were trained by the master trainers initially. This is one of the 70 schools benefited by this initiative,” she said.