Stalin launches Ennum Ezhuthum scheme, vows to fill learning gap

CHENNAI: With the mission to bridge the learning gap among students induced during the Covid lockdown, Chief Minister MK Stalin launched the Ennum Ezhuthum Scheme at Azhinjivakkam panchayat union middle school of Tiruvallur district on Monday. The Chief Minister during the event assured that by 2025, through the scheme, the government will be able to fill the learning gap.

Ennum Ezhuthum scheme, which will come into effect from academic year 2022-23, will be extended till 2024-25 in order to fully equip government and government-aided students from Classes 1 to 3.

2025-க்குள் தமிழ்நாட்டில் உள்ள 8 வயதுக்குட்பட்ட குழந்தைகள் அனைவரும் எண்ணறிவும் எழுத்தறிவும் பெற்றிருக்க வேண்டும் என்ற மிகத் தேவையான இலக்குடன் "எண்ணும் எழுத்தும்" திட்டத்தைத் தொடங்கிவைத்தேன்.

கற்றலைக் குழந்தைகளுக்கு மகிழ்ச்சிக்குரிய - ஆர்வமூட்டும் செயல்பாடாக மாற்றுவோம்! pic.twitter.com/ROJFA36iBS

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) June 13, 2022

Meanwhile, on Monday, Stalin along with the School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi released various study materials such as a video, project song, teacher's guide, certification, learning and teaching equipment, all related to the scheme.

The Chief Minister addressing the audience noted that as schools due to the pandemic were closed for more than 19 months, a huge learning gap has developed among students due to this.

Speaking about the approach, Teaching at the Right Level (TARL), he said, "It is noted that children have not attained knowledge or skill as per their passed-out class. For instance, a class 3 student is not fully equipped with class II syllabus, which results due to a learning gap.”

For Ennum Ezhuthum, a high-level committee with education officials and educators has been formed. About 92,000 primary school teachers have been trained for this particular scheme.

The officials of the education department said that Tamil Nadu for the first time has developed a level-based-workbook under the title Arumbu- Mottu-Malar (aestivation, budding and flowering) for students to get a well-rounded knowledge, even from passed-out classes.

“Additionally, a teacher's manual with clear and detailed explanations for teaching Tamil, English and Mathematics has been developed to help guide children in doing textbook activities, ”stated the press note.

To make learning enjoyable, Ennum Ezhuthum programme will comprise of songs, storytelling, creatives filled with games, puppetry, puzzles, arts and crafts.

Commenting about the Reading Marathon held between June 1 and 12, he said that about 14 lakh students participated in the marathon.

Stalin, after launching the scheme, inspected a government Adi Dravidar Welfare Boys’ Higher Secondary School in Tiruvallur. He urged the school staff to maintain cleanliness in the campus and requested local body officials to inspect schools in the respective limits.

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