GCC to Survey Out-of-School Children in 418 Chennai Schools in August
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will launch a survey of out-of-school children across 418 schools in August, alongside plans to recruit 17 psychologists to assist students and train teachers in supporting emotional well-being. The civic initiative comes amid concerns raised by elected representatives regarding student retention in localities such as Ambattur in Ward 84.
On Saturday, the GCC Gender and Policy Lab conducted its first psychological orientation programme of the academic year for 211 Gender Club teachers and Assistant Education Officers spanning all civic zones. The session aimed to deepen educators' understanding of child and adolescent psychology while equipping them with practical strategies to foster student self-esteem.
The programme was inaugurated by the GCC Educational Officer, who highlighted the critical role teachers play in shaping student behaviour, confidence, and future development. Regis, representing the GCC Gender and Policy Lab, noted that empathetic guidance and positive reinforcement can transform students' self-esteem and enable them to realise their full potential.
Addressing the participants, Akshaya Raja, an international analytical psychologist from Zurich, Switzerland, stressed that a child's behaviour serves as a form of communication. She urged educators to understand underlying emotions before attempting to correct behaviour, advising teachers to recognize strengths and offer positive guidance.
The initiative follows criticism from civic representatives regarding previous data collection on out-of-school children. Ward 84 councillor J. John stated that the number of children out of school has been rising in zones like Ambattur due to poverty and social challenges. Mr. John alleged that some GCC school principals in Ambattur had prevented 10th standard students from socially weaker families from attending school out of concern that they might fail public examinations. He urged psychological intervention for both teachers and principals to sensitise school management.
During an interactive session at the orientation, Gender Club Coordinators shared classroom experiences and discussed issues ranging from peer relationships to specific behavioural concerns. GCC officials reiterated that teacher support and encouragement remain crucial to building resilient, confident, and compassionate students across the city.
