It is never too late to read and write

Twenty senior citizens receive medals and certificates on completing a literacy programme

Recently, St Lazarus Church Hall in Pattinapakkam was witness to an unusual graduation ceremony. Twenty senior citizens dressed in convocation robes walked the red carpet to be awarded medals and certificates following which they tossed their hats. These are among the 82 senior citizens enrolled with Dignity Foundation’s day care centre at Mullima Nagar in Pattinapakkam, a settlement close to the beach. These seniors had successfully enrolled and completed a read and write programme.

The convocation function was a celebration of the journey these unlettered men and women took over the last eight to 10 months at the centre.

“The biggest success story to emerge from this initiative is that many of those who could not even sign their name were taught through the literacy sessions,” says Auxilia M. Christina, administrative officer of the Centre.