[Assam] Group clears HSLC under Central course (The Assam Tribune, 02.06.2008)

[Buljit Buragohain]

Group clears HSLC under Central course
By Kabita Duarah
 GUWAHATI, June 1 – After the declaration of the results of the HSLC exams, an eight member group in the State between the ages 20 to 35 years became overnight heroes in their own areas, not because they secured a position, but because they cleared the exams under the Condensed Course of Education, a Central Government scheme, becoming the first such batch in the State to take the HSLC exams. Altogether 17 students under the Condensed Course had taken the HSLC exams, which was also a unique experience for the SEBA authorities. For special permission had to be obtained from SEBA for these students, all female and who had been earning their livelihood either by running a panshop or doing other odd jobs.

The Condensed Course was conducted at Kamakhya HS School, Guwahati since 2006. The students who had left studies more than a decade back attended classes between 3 to 6 pm and completed the IX and X class courses.

One of the successful students, Dipika Seal, 26 years, who runs a small betel-nut shop at the Kamakhya bus stand said that people have been flocking to her panshop since the results were out. Hailing from extremely poor background, Dipika is confident that the HSLC passed certificate will help her apply for Government job or get a loan.

However, the beginning was not smooth for these students and neither for their mentors, the members and staff appointed by Scorpion, a registered non-government organization. For it was not only difficult to motivate the students to concentrate, it was also an uphill task to motivate them to find the time to attend the classes.

“But with support from everyone, particularly the SEBA officials, our students could take the challenge,” said Debajit Goswami, director of Scorpion.

The mentors of these students are also grateful to the Kamakhya temple authorities who were lenient enough to allow another successful candidate Gitanjali Baruah, working in the temple, for allowing her to attend the classes and granting leave during the examination days.

Now most of these students, enjoying the new found respect and self esteem, are aiming to complete their HS also. Their mentors have decided to provide them with the initial support in the way of books, admission fee, uniform etc. The process is on to get them admitted in Kamakhya HS School.
  
 
   (The Assam Tribune,02.06.2008)




       
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