CM Stalin launches Ennum Ezhuthum campaign

With the mission to bridge the learning gap among students induced during the COVID-19 lockdown, Chief Minister MK Stalin launched Ennum Ezhuthum scheme at Azhinjivakkam panchayat union middle school in Thiruvallur district on Monday. CM during the event assured that by 2025, through the scheme, the government will be able to fill the learning gap.

The Ennum Ezhuthum scheme, which will come into effect from the academic year 2022-23, will be extended till 2024-25 to fully equip government and government-aided students of classes 1 to 3. Chief Minister along with the school education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyazmozhi released various study materials such as a video, project song, teacher’s guide, certification, learning and teaching equipment as part of the scheme.

Stalin, addressing the audience, noted that as schools were closed for more than 19 months due to the pandemic, a huge learning gap has developed among students. Speaking about the approach, Teaching at the Right Level (TARL), the CM said, “It is noted that children have not attained knowledge or skill as per their passed-out class. For instance, a class 3 student is not fully equipped with class 2 syllabus.”

For Ennum Ezhuthum, a high-level committee with education officials and educators has been formed. About 92,000 primary school teachers have been trained for this scheme.

The officials of the education department said that Tamil Nadu for the first time has developed a level-based workbook under the title Arumbu- Mottu-Malar (aestivation, budding and flowering) for students to get a well-rounded knowledge, even from passed-out classes. “Additionally, a teacher’s manual with clear and detailed explanations for teaching Tamil, English and Mathematics has been developed to help guide children in doing textbook activities,” stated the press note.

To make learning enjoyable, the programme will comprise songs, storytelling, creatives filled with games, puppetry, puzzles, arts and crafts.

The Chief Minister also inspected a government Adi Dravidar Welfare Boys’ Higher Secondary School in Thiruvallur.