ENLIGHT 2.0 project launched in Coimbatore

The ENLIGHT project 2.0 has extended its reach to Coimbatore, a city in the State of Tamil Nadu. The project aims to provide quality education to girl children from the most marginalized sections, particularly those belonging to manual scavenger communities. On August 10, 2022, a formal launch was held with the participation of Mr. Rajan, Vice-Principal of DIET, Coimbatore; Mr. Mathiazhgan, District Child Protection Officer of the District Child Protection Unit, Coimbatore; Dr. Priya Mohan of the Department of Social Work at Amrita University, Coimbatore; Ms. S. Kavitha Pappi, CDPO of ICDS, Coimbatore; Mr. Balakumar Thangavelu, Associate Director, India Lead - ESG Outreach, Cognizant; Prof. Mr. S. Sam Lovely Son, Head of the Department of Social Work at Bishop Appasamy Arts and Science College; and Mr. Suresh Gutta, Regional Manager (Hyderabad & Chennai operations, Aide et Action), who inaugurated the program.

The project's key feature will be the establishment of Child Support Centers in Keeranatham, Masal layout, and Amman Kulam in Coimbatore district. These centers will ensure quality education and provide opportunities for children to achieve higher educational levels. For working parents like Saraswathi, a manual scavenger with two daughters, the CSC will provide a safe space for her children's education, which would otherwise be unmonitored due to her work schedule. "We usually leave for work by 4:30 am and return home only in the evening. In our absence, there is no protection for the girl children and no one to monitor their education. The CSC will ensure the safety of our children and, at the same time, help them in their academics. I am sure our children will benefit from the project," she said.