A Comparative Study on Tribal Ashram Schools Among the Chenchus & Sugalis (Lambadis) of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Education is the most important aspect which plays a dominant role in the changes of culture of various human groups. Since the inception of the Integrated Tribal Development Project, the authorities have taken steps to start new Ashram Schools in Prakasham, Kurnool and Mahaboobnagar districts. The chenchu and sugalis children studying in Ashram Schools are being provided free boarding and lodging. However, the response of the Chenchus towards the Ashram School education is very poor and various socio-culture, psychological, ecological and administrative constraints do not permit them to educate their children. The Ashram Schools, their school children and the associated Chenchu and Sugali hamlets are the sample frames of the study. The present study total 30 Ashram schools and 200 students from all schools were selected at random for the study. the data for the study were gathered from both primary and secondary sources. The Chenchu children studying with other tribes (Sugalis) in the Ashram Schools, could not be dominant in the school. The Chenchu child suffers from social, psychological, and emotional deprivation, isolation, unawareness of situation outside his community, shyness, social fear and individualistic nature. Ashram Schools are started on the name of Chenchus, but the other neighbouring tribes Sugali exploit and make use of these facilities more than the Chenchus. The reasons for the differential utilization of Ashram Schools are mentioned in this report. accommodation is an acute problem for the teachers working in Ashram Schools where climatic conditions are inhospitable throughout the year. The ethnocentrism on the part of the teachers has disturbing effect on the minds of the Chenchus and Sugali students. The important components of the teaching-learning process are the subjects of study, medium of instruction, co-curricular activities and teaching aids. In these aspects also the Ashram Schools are not in good position. In the text of these subjects, there is nothing about tribal culture, tribal stories, folk songs, folk dance. Inclusion of these aspects definitely creates interest and curiosity among the Chenchu students. The most important reason for absenteeism is that the boys accompany their parents at the time of collection of minor forest produce and harvesting seasons. Stagnation is due to a variety of factors, the chief among which are the poor quality of teachers, inadequate teaching materials and aids, lack of interest on the part of the students, poverty, and non-availability of books. There are various factors affecting Ashram School Education in the Chenchu area which are: Socio-Cultural, Ecological, Economic and Educational. Parental indifferences towards education of their children is reflected in the poor enrolment in schools. The study also provides, a few points are suggested for promoting the Ashram School Education among the Chenchus and Sugalis.