Montessori Classroom in Kannagi Nagar

One of SRCT’s long cherished dreams came true this year when we successfully established a Montessori environment for the children of Kannagi Nagar. The area is a large housing settlement off Old Mahabalipuram Road, consisting of families translocated from various parts of Chennai along the banks of the Buckingham Canal.

We identified an unused dilapidated building and with permission from the government of Tamil Nadu and generous support of Caplin Point Laboratories Limited (CPLL), renovated it under the government’s ‘Namakku Naame” plan.  

The renovation was at a cost of Rs.69,00,000  (USD 81,490). There are five classrooms, proper sanitation facilities, and a playground in front. Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) accorded permission for the kindergarten section of Chennai Middle school, Ezhil Nagar, to operate from the renovated premises. SRCT has equipped one classroom with Montessori materials  and classes commenced from August 2024. SRCT has appointed two teachers, a helper and two security personnel for running the centre. Thirty five children are currently enrolled.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru.M.K.Stalin visited the school on 25 November 2024, and interacted with the children and trustees and staff of SRCT. Mr. M Subramanian, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, the Commissioner of GCC,                             Mr. J Kumaragurubaran, other government officials, Mr. C C Paarthipan, Chairman CPLL, Mr. K Chandru, Retired Judge, Madras High Court, were also present on the occasion. A sapling in the name of each student was planted in the school ground on the occasion. The child along with his/her mother stood next to the sapling bearing his/her name and the Hon’ble Chief Minister inaugurated the process by planting a sapling. 

The event marks a high point in SRCT’s journey and its endeavor to take Montessori education to children from underprivileged communities. We are hopeful that following the Chief Minister’s visit, more families will be encouraged to send their children to the Montessori class and soon the remaining four classrooms will also be setup!