Restoring learning, Building hope.

Polivakkam is a small village with a population of fewer than 4,000 people. The community is largely made up of families from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, many of whom depend on seasonal employment for their livelihood.

During harvest seasons, families often have to migrate together to other areas where employment is available. They may leave the village for several weeks at a time to earn a living. For families struggling to meet their basic needs, education can easily become a secondary priority.

For many children, this cycle of seasonal migration has disrupted their education. Some gradually lose interest in school, while young boys in particular are at risk of dropping out and becoming exposed to negative influences and harmful habits.

When Marek Foundation assessed the students at the centre, we discovered a serious educational gap. Nearly all the children in the lower and middle school age groups struggled with basic reading, writing and numeracy skills. These were not simply children who were weak in a particular subject. Many had missed some of the most important foundational years of their education.

The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic had a particularly severe impact on communities such as Povalivakkam. During the pandemic, these children had little or no access to either online or offline schooling. For several critical formative years, many children were effectively disconnected from education.

The consequences are still being felt today.

At Marek Foundation, we recognise that children cannot build advanced knowledge on a weak foundation. Our teachers therefore work with the younger students to strengthen their basic reading, writing and calculation skills, while also helping them keep up with their regular school curriculum. The objective is not simply to help children pass their examinations. It is to rebuild the foundation they need to become confident learners.

A child who struggled to read a simple passage needs patient support. A child who cannot confidently perform basic calculations needs an opportunity to practise without fear of failure. The After-School Study Centre provides that opportunity.

As students progress into high school, the academic challenges become greater. Marek Foundation provides additional tutoring in subjects such as Mathematics and Accountancy, where students benefit greatly from being able to interact with teachers, ask questions and receive individual guidance.

Technology also plays an important role.

Through Un Vayppu (Your Opportunity), Marek Foundation's learning app, students can access simplified educational content to support their science preparation. The app uses simplified explanations and technology-enabled learning to help students understand concepts that may otherwise be difficult to grasp.

The combination of teacher support, structured study and technology enables students to receive additional educational assistance beyond what is available during regular school hours.

The Polivakkam After-School Study Centre is about more than academic improvement. For children growing up in a community where families face economic uncertainty and seasonal migration, remaining connected to education can be a challenge.

A study centre provides a place where children are encouraged to continue learning, develop confidence and begin thinking about possibilities beyond their immediate circumstances.

The presence of a local pastor who cares deeply about the community has been instrumental in making this possible. By working together, the local church and Marek Foundation are creating a space where children are supported not only in their studies but also in their journey towards a better future.

The children of Polivakkam lost valuable years of education during the pandemic. Those years cannot be recovered, but the learning gaps they created can be addressed. Marek Foundation is committed to helping these children rebuild their foundations, regain confidence and remain engaged with education.

The desks and chairs in the church portico may appear simple. The lessons may begin with reading, writing and basic arithmetic. But behind these simple activities is a much bigger goal: To help a child stay in school, discover the joy of learning and believe that their circumstances do not have to determine their future.

Through the Polivakkam After-School Study Centre, Marek Foundation is helping turn a small space in a village church into a place of learning, opportunity and hope.