Free goats for underprivileged students at Kisumam school in Pathanamthitta

PATHANAMTHITTA: For underprivileged students at Kisumam Government Higher Secondary School, a goat can become a source of income and a helping hand in continuing their education. The school has been providing goats to students from financially disadvantaged families as part of an initiative to support their education and livelihoods.

The funds for the programme are raised by teachers with the support of volunteers. Families receiving a goat are required to return either a female goat or the amount needed to buy one within a year.

Students from Class 1 to the higher secondary level are eligible for the programme. The initiative began in 2023, with 10 students receiving goats in the first year. Around 30 students have benefited from the scheme over the past three years.

Teachers personally visit students’ homes to understand their financial circumstances and identify families in need. The school currently has 182 students from the Attathode and Manjathode tribal settlements.

‘Njangalundoppam’ initiative supports families

The goat distribution is part of the school’s broader ‘Njangalundoppam’ (We Are With You) initiative, which aims to support students and their families by creating opportunities to earn additional income.

The school also distributes chicks, provides free incubators and conducts LED bulb-making training for parents. Through these activities, the initiative seeks to help families develop small sources of income alongside supporting their children’s education.

“From this year, goats will also be provided to students who approach the school with a request, in addition to those identified by teachers,” said school principal Vijesh V.