Jisha Surya
First Published : 23 Apr 2011
THIRUVANATHAPURAM: The Sree Chitra Home for Destitute and Infirm (SCH) at Pazhavangadi is a place which 301 socially disadvantaged children call home. But a study by the Kerala Social Security Mission (KSSM) reveals that the institution has miserably failed in ensuring good living conditions for its inmates.
The study, a copy of which is in the possession of ‘City Express’, throws light on the pathetic condition of the inmates - 235 girls and 66 boys - who range from kindergarten students to under-graduates. The study recommends immediate action in structural, personnel and behavioural fields.
The study conducted by executive director R Ashok, regional director Maj. B T Dinesh and programme coordinator Melly Mathew terms the safety features at the institution ‘inadequate.’ While the boys feel safe at the Home, the girls are afraid to reside there.
Ninety percent girls, who responded to the study, said that they felt unsafe. Some said they would wake up three to four times every night to check whether everything was safe. Past incidents of strangers trespassing into the campus have left fears in the minds of the girls, the study says.
Presently, the SCH has only two security guards, which is quite inadequate. The study recommends a minimum of two security personnel in the female ward and another two for the entire premises. Since the Home is situated in the heart of the city, there has to be regular night patrolling by the police to ward off anti-social elements.
The compound wall lying parallel to the railway track should be strengthened by raising its height using bricks and barbed wires, the study suggests.The study reveals that the children are not satisfied with the accommodation. The building is in a dilapidated condition. Bad cots and absence of mosquito nets give the children sleepless nights.
They mostly sleep on the concrete floor, which is quite an unthinkable proposition during the cold months. Half of the total number of fans and lights do not work properly. Only two of the 13 toilets are in working condition.
Scuffles and mild ragging are common among the inmates, says the study. The behavioural patterns of children are different as they come from different social and family circumstances. Only three are orphans and most of the other inmates are from broken families. Most of the children fail to see SCH as their domicile. They fail to maintain hygiene and often destroy lamps, doors etc.
The children are not groomed to face the challenges of the outside world. They are not used to regular household chores. As noon meals are often sponsored, they are fed with chicken dishes and grand sadyas which make them unfamiliar to the common food available in middle class houses. The study states that the children find it difficult to get adjusted to normal family life.
First Published : 23 Apr 2011
THIRUVANATHAPURAM: The Sree Chitra Home for Destitute and Infirm (SCH) at Pazhavangadi is a place which 301 socially disadvantaged children call home. But a study by the Kerala Social Security Mission (KSSM) reveals that the institution has miserably failed in ensuring good living conditions for its inmates.
The study, a copy of which is in the possession of ‘City Express’, throws light on the pathetic condition of the inmates - 235 girls and 66 boys - who range from kindergarten students to under-graduates. The study recommends immediate action in structural, personnel and behavioural fields.
The study conducted by executive director R Ashok, regional director Maj. B T Dinesh and programme coordinator Melly Mathew terms the safety features at the institution ‘inadequate.’ While the boys feel safe at the Home, the girls are afraid to reside there.
Ninety percent girls, who responded to the study, said that they felt unsafe. Some said they would wake up three to four times every night to check whether everything was safe. Past incidents of strangers trespassing into the campus have left fears in the minds of the girls, the study says.
Presently, the SCH has only two security guards, which is quite inadequate. The study recommends a minimum of two security personnel in the female ward and another two for the entire premises. Since the Home is situated in the heart of the city, there has to be regular night patrolling by the police to ward off anti-social elements.
The compound wall lying parallel to the railway track should be strengthened by raising its height using bricks and barbed wires, the study suggests.The study reveals that the children are not satisfied with the accommodation. The building is in a dilapidated condition. Bad cots and absence of mosquito nets give the children sleepless nights.
They mostly sleep on the concrete floor, which is quite an unthinkable proposition during the cold months. Half of the total number of fans and lights do not work properly. Only two of the 13 toilets are in working condition.
Scuffles and mild ragging are common among the inmates, says the study. The behavioural patterns of children are different as they come from different social and family circumstances. Only three are orphans and most of the other inmates are from broken families. Most of the children fail to see SCH as their domicile. They fail to maintain hygiene and often destroy lamps, doors etc.
The children are not groomed to face the challenges of the outside world. They are not used to regular household chores. As noon meals are often sponsored, they are fed with chicken dishes and grand sadyas which make them unfamiliar to the common food available in middle class houses. The study states that the children find it difficult to get adjusted to normal family life.
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