In an effort to address learning loss during summer holidays and encourage reading habits among children of the Narikuravar community, school teachers in the Tiruverumbur block in Tiruchi have launched an outreach initiative titled ‘Palli Noolagam Kulandhaigalai Thedi.’

The initiative has been launched by teachers of Thiruvalluvar Gurukulam Primary School at Devarayaneri. The programme aims at bridging the learning gap that often develops when children remain disconnected from regular studies during vacation. It seeks to reduce excessive mobile phone usage by encouraging children to engage in reading and educational activities.

Concerned that students tend to forget lessons learned during the academic year due to the lack of reading practice at home, a community-based library outreach programme was introduced.

As part of the programme, activity-based books distributed by the School Education Department are distributed every Wednesday to children. The books are categorised into different levels: enter, walk, run and fly, to gradually inculcate reading habits, starting from basic to advanced levels.

S. Sivakumar, educator and retired Principal of the District Institute of Education and Training, Kancheepuram, who conceptualised the programme, said the initiative was designed with the belief that “if children cannot reach libraries during holidays, libraries must go in search of children.”

Teachers involved in the programme said the zero-cost initiative had received an encouraging response from both parents and children in the village.

K. Maruthanayagam, Block Educational Officer, Tiruverumbur, said such programmes help ensure continuous learning during holidays while strengthening the bond between schools, parents, and the community. He said similar initiatives would be expanded to other schools in the block.