Tree-Climbers In Tamil Nadu Fund A Village School Neglected By Government

Chennai: For generations people of Anthoniarpuram village in the Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu have been climbing trees to earn a livelihood. They are now using these skills to ensure their children are educated.

The villagers run a sweet toddy outlet and sell a non-alcoholic health drink to earn money to fund a village school. The say the government-aided institute does not get any funds from the state. The nearest other school they say is eight km from the village.

Selling the drink helps the villagers collect Rs 2 lakh in a season. The villagers use this money to fund the middle school education at the Roman Catholic school which has over 70 students.

Paraloga Anusha, a class 8 student said, "If we don't have this school, we would have gone for rolling beedi or making baskets."

Michael Jebamalai, the head of the village committee says, "Only after these classes were started. we felt our life has improved. If the government would support, we are ready to start higher classes."

Malaiappan, one of the tree climber said, "If the government could pay for the school we can spend this money for other needs for our village, like elderly people."