Kottayam: Kunju Pennu, aged 85, was busy preparing for her exams over the last few days as she had to appear for a test of neo-literates. She was among the eager participants at the assessment test called ‘competency festival’ held on Sunday at various schools in Kottayam district under the ‘Navachetana’ literacy programme for scheduled caste people.
Kunju Pennu, who is a resident of Brahmanalody at the Chathamala settlement colony, said she eagerly wanted to go to school, but could not do that as a kid. “I was keen to study, but was not sent to school as it was not deemed important for girls those days,” she noted. “However, all my complaints in this regard have now vanished. I have learnt so much,” she added excitedly referring to the literacy programme launched by the Kerala State Literacy Mission.
A farmer and mother of three, Kunju Pennu is now busy learning letters, maths as well as enjoying songs and fun activities which are part of the syllabus.
R Rethu, literacy instructor, has taught her reading and writing.
When asked about her ‘ambition’ by learning all these lessons, the octogenarian replied, “I once wanted to secure a good job by learning, which is not possible now. But I can still study as much as I like.”
Kunju Pennu attended the exam held at Kanakkary LP School along with her friends Gomathiyamma,72, and Ammini Kuttan, 65. Encouraging and supporting them are the coordinators of the programme in Kanakkary panchayat, ‘prerak’ Mini Sivadas, block panchayat president Biju Pazhayapurakkal and grama panchayat president Minimol Satheesan.
The assessment test is organised with the support of local bodies.
