Tansi Nagar resident association steps in to fund school expenses of 44 girls

CHENNAI: For 44 girls studying at the St Anthony’s School in Velachery, the neighbourhood community of Tansi Nagar has stepped in to bear their tuition fees till they finish schooling. The residents' community has been contributing to the education of the girls from their pocket for the third year now.
St Anthony’s School in Tansi Nagar has been one of the hubs for all festivities and celebrations in the area.“This is our way of repaying them by helping the girls and their families who are struggling to make their ends meet,” said M Balakrishnan, secretary of the welfare association.
The RWA has paid a total of 1,15,000 this year starting at 1,200 for one girl’s tuition fee in primary school to 2500 for higher secondary classes. Around 15 people are contributing towards this cause, said Balakrishnan. Former residents who have long left the area are still helping these girls.
Ashok Kumar B, who used to be a resident of Tansi Nagar for 12 years but now has moved to Coimbatore, said “We have seen the school help children with extra classes and good coaching, and we don’t want the girls to miss it. Education is a basic right which will make their life better.” He has been supporting five girls for the past three years with their tuition fees.
S Maria Jothi, headmistress of the school said, “Girls coming from poor backgrounds, or have single parents were picked. This has given hope to the parents that the community will support their children.” She also added that all these girls were taken under the RWA’s umbrella when they were in the 3rd and 4th grades.