St.PeterPaul Primary School – Puravadai Village

Puravadai is a remote and impoverished village that once suffered from a lack of transportation and communication, as well as the prevalence of the bonded labour system. This system forced poor, illiterate Dalit parents and their children to toil on the lands of higher caste individuals. In 1991, the intervention of the St. Peter Paul Educational and Cultural Trust (SPECT) marked the beginning of significant changes in Puravadai.

In 1992, with the support of the local Dalit community, SPECT established a primary school aimed at abolishing the bonded labour system and providing education to Dalit children. Despite facing violence and atrocities from the dominant community, SPECT persevered in its mission. Their efforts ensured that no child in the village remained illiterate, and they successfully eradicated the bonded labour system.

Over the past 32 years, SPECT’s unwavering dedication to educational service has positively impacted the lives of Dalit children and the broader community in Puravadai. Currently, 39 children are enrolled at the school, benefiting from a supportive learning environment with adequate facilities, including safe drinking water and proper sanitation. The school, recognized by the Government of Tamil Nadu, operates without financial support but participates in the mid-day meal program and provides free textbooks and uniforms to the students.

SPECT’s efforts have transformed Puravadai, empowering the Dalit community through education and breaking the cycle of exploitation and harassment. The primary school stands as a testament to the enduring positive impact of SPECT’s initiatives.

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