Kozhikode police help over 50 dropout students return to school

Over 50 school dropouts in Kozhikode have returned to the classroom this academic year, thanks to a rehabilitation initiative launched by the city police in collaboration with the Education Department and several voluntary organizations.

Titled ‘Back to School,’ the project has so far enabled 54 children, mostly boys, to resume their studies.

The initiative was implemented under the social policing division of the Kozhikode City Police, who used data from the office of the Deputy Director of Education to identify school dropouts and assess their individual needs.

“There were 68 such students who left schools in recent years for various reasons. There were financially backward kids and those who were not properly taken care of by their parents,” said V M Abdul Wahab, Additional Superintendent of Police and the nodal officer of the project.

He added efforts were on to help out the remaining 14 students also to resume their education.

Project coordinators said the program would also extend its support to children of migrant workers.

A survey is currently in progress to verify the details of more children who reportedly left school as their families planned to return to their home states.

The police have also integrated the ‘HOPE’ (Helping Others to Promote Education) program with the current initiative.

Launched by the Kerala Police in 2017, HOPE offers academic support to school dropouts through a dedicated learning center and personalized coaching.

This year, seven students enrolled under ‘Back to School’ will also receive assistance through HOPE.

Since its inception, HOPE has helped over 500 students resume education and appear for key examinations, including SSLC and Plus Two, with the guidance of nine trained teachers.

Some of the beneficiaries continued their studies in higher education and technical courses.

“Several of them later completed technical courses and secured jobs with leading companies. Many achieved their dream job in the army. To be successful in life, we imparted training in life skills education, soft skills development, and communication,” said a former trainer associated with the project.