Ernakulam to soon become 100% Class X literate?

KOCHI: In all possibility Ernakulam could be the first district in the state to have all citizens between 17 and 35 years to clear Class 10 examination. To ensure that the district achieves 100 per cent success rate in clearing Class 10 examination by 2013, a futuristic mission ‘Youth@10’ is currently underway. A venture by the District Literacy Mission, Kakkanad and the district panchayat, this is the first of its kind in Kerala that awaits a successful culmination. Be it in the public sector or private sector, many are limping along for want of proper educational qualifications and it seems that this project could be an absolute panacea for  them.“The number of persons applying for Class X equivalency examinations are increasing as in many cases the prospect of promotions depends upon proper qualifications. Hence we decided to undertake this unique project,” said District Project Coordinator K V Ratheesh.Though there has not been any specific fund allotted for this special scheme, the authorities concerned feel confident that they could implement it effectively. “No special fund has been allocated for this purpose. But it could be implemented effectively provided all the local bodies consider it as their own project,” he said. The mission has not invited special applications for the Youth@10 programme.“As the number of applicants appearing for the  Class X examinations have surged, we decided to filter the applicants,” Ratheesh said.The district panchayat has been giving its  full support to the District Literacy Mission to execute the project.“We are confident of completing the project by 2013. This would be a proper platform for those people who are lagging behind for want of proper education. So far we have got more than 1,500 applications,” said district panchayat president Eldhose Kunnappally.The project, which was initiated on May 19, has already finished with the registration procedures. “We have also taken steps to institute awards to those municipalities and panchayats that register more number of applications. The Literacy Mission has been conducting other programmes like Class IV, Class VII and Class X equivalency exams. We are also conducting Art fests for those who have applied for Class IV,VII and Youth@10 equivalency exams,” he said.