Deekshith DV
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 6: While the children in the cities were busy on mobile phones for their online classes during lockdown following the pandemic, the tribal children of Siddi, Kudubi and Malekudiya communities in the Western Ghats in Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannada (DK) had an opportunity to imbibe the knowledge of art and crafts in midst of the forests.
As the schools were shut, children in tribal hamlets in Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannada had no options. Releasing this, Sahyadri Sanchaya, a Mangaluru based organisation under the initiative of environment activist Dinesh Holla, reached the tribal children in the Western Ghats to teach them art, crafts and motivate them in their studies, through its ‘Vanabelaku’ programme.
Speaking to daijiworld.com, Dinesh Holla said, "The camp was started on December 3 from Ankola. After inaugurating the camp in Ankola, we moved to Yellapura, Joida, Anasi, Beltangady and Mudugere. The camp concluded on February 24 in Mavinakatte. Through our programme Vanabelaku, we focused especially on the tribal children living in the forest. As schools were shut due to pandemic, the children in forest areas had no facilities. Hence, we decided to reach them and educate them in art, craft and other activities including kite-making and flying, quiz, singing and dancing.
“In Dakshina Kannada, the camp was conducted for the children of Malekudiya communities in Perla Makki, Kajake, and Shishila in Beltangady taluk. The camps were also conducted in Baluru, Halemane and Mavinakatte in Mudigere. In Uttara Kannada, we had focused on Siddi, Kudubi and Halaki tribals. All the camps were held in the midst of the forest, riverside and backwaters.
“Before holding the camps, members of Sahyadri Sanchaya sought support from locals and representatives. A US-based entrepreneur, Panambur Vasudev Aital, financially sponsored the camps. Due to that, we could conduct the camps. Children were given chocolates and toys as part of the competition activities.
“As many as 35 camps were conducted, and over 800 children and 50 teachers participated in the camp. A minimum 20 and a maximum of 50 students participated in the camp. Various resource persons also joined the camp,” he said.
After the success of the ‘Vanabelaku’ programme, Sahyadri Sanchaya plans to hold 'Vanachethana' programme aiming to help the tribal children in their education after class 10. “This programme is to support tribal students in their education, like donating school fees, uniforms or necessary things to continue their education. This programme is exclusively for tribal children. Initially, we have decided to provide furniture to school in Uttara Kannada. In this regard, MCF has donated Rs 5 lac to provide furniture to the tribal children's schools. We are also planning to adopt students to help in their education after SSLC,” Holla said.
He further said, "The children in the forest should not be deprived of education. They should get proper education. They grow up in the forest. If they become employees of the forest department in future, they will play a role to protect the forest.”
Speaking to daijiworld.com, Mamatha K S, a research student at Mangalore University said, "In the camp, I taught children to prepare crafts and play various types of games. All the children got completely involved in the activities. They came forward voluntarily.”