Daijiworld Media Network - Shivamogga
Shivamogga, June 16: The Department of School Education and Literacy in Karnataka is all set to launch a special residential school near Bengaluru's Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, dedicated to children battling life-threatening cancer. The initiative is expected to begin operations in July this year.
This school, described as a “dream project” of school education and literacy minister Madhu Bangarappa, will be the first government-run residential school in the state specifically for children undergoing cancer treatment.
Speaking to TNIE, Madhu Bangarappa said the idea emerged after witnessing the struggles of children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds suffering from cancer. The initiative coincides with the completion of two years of his tenure as minister.
“Owing to this illness, many children drop out of school. Since cancer is treatable, we want to ensure that both treatment and education continue simultaneously. For this, I have entrusted a non-governmental organisation with the responsibility of collecting relevant data and submitting a viable plan,” he said.
Based on preliminary information, around 3,500 children in Karnataka are currently affected by cancer. The school aims to enrol about 1,500 students from Grades 1 to 10 in its first phase, he added.
Students from any part of the state can seek admission to this institution. Alongside free medical treatment, children will receive quality education in the residential setup. NGOs will train teachers to ensure the holistic wellbeing of students, while the department will provide funding for the school. “I will also secure additional grants from the chief minister,” the minister said, adding that the school building is expected to be completed by the end of June.
The campus will include facilities for parents to stay, as children with cancer require close parental care. Hence, residential provisions for parents will also be arranged.
When medical treatment is needed, children will be transported to the hospital by vehicle. Once the treatment is completed and recovery is confirmed, students can either continue at the same school or return to their previous institutions, the minister explained.