Kuruvammal's Story

A schoolboy in Tamil Nadu is happy to do his work

Kuruvammal is a young mother from Kalugumalai in the Tuticorin district. She and her husband Chinnathurai, a self-employed shopkeeper, are eager that their two children, 13-year Venkatesh and 9-year old Sakuntaladevi, remain in English schools to perfect their language skills, and to further their educational and professional opportunities.

In addition to helping out in her husband’s shop, Kuruvammal contributes to the family’s support when she can by selling matches. But both matchworks and her husband’s shop income are irregular, and sometimes after meeting their household expenses little remains to pay for education fees. Both Kuruvammal and Chinnathurai want to shape their children into model citizens, but neighbors often challenge them on how it is possible to continue spending so much for school when there is not always enough to meet their basic needs.

Venkatesh especially takes a great interest in his studies, participates in sports and other activities, and would like to become a teacher. Kuruvammal often goes hungry on the days that school fees are due. The family has no additional resources or property to even build their own home, yet they fight to keep their children in school.