Students who researched about school facilities from various schools from the “enathu kanavu palli- The school I envision” program by Arunodhaya Centre for street and working children hand over the the research report in Chennai on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: Akhila Easwaran
Children, part of the Arunodaya centre for street and working children, put forth 33 demands for a good school at the Confederation of Arunodaya Children Sangam Convention 2025 in Chennai on Sunday.
Along the lines of this year’s theme ‘The School I Envision’, the children conducted a survey among the members of the sangam regarding the various needs of a school, facilities and child-friendliness of the school.
The children demanded that classrooms must be well ventilated, sufficient toilets must be constructed along with proper maintenance, cleaning staff must be appointed, and regular break times must be provided among other demands.
As many as 20 children conducted the survey which prepared questions on the basic rights of children in schools. They discussed the questions with their trainer and decided on the number of children who will participate in it. Over 35 children participated in the survey from primary schools, middle schools, government high schools, government higher secondary schools and government-aided schools.
They also demanded that security guards must be appointed, children’s participation in School Management Committee meeting must be ensured, the right to play must be ensured with trained physical education teachers.
Noting that the government has many educational initiatives for children, Pudukkottai Vijaya, chairperson of Tamil Nadu Commission for Protection of Child Rights, said that taking children’s demands on the requirements was a good idea
The children from sangams formed across the city by Arunodhaya Centre for Street and Working Children through an exhibition showcased models of ideal schools from their area such as Ennore, Korrukupet and Tondiarpet which showed volleyball courts, libraries and classrooms with benches.
Speaking at the event Arunodhaya’s executive director Virgil D’Sami said, “Compared to south Chennai, north Chennai schools are neglected. The children have come together this year demanding better infrastructure, more playgrounds and child-friendly teachers. More support is required in career guidance to ensure that children thrive.”
Published – November 23, 2025 09:35 pm IST
