The university has launched community college movement in the country in 2009 and the maximum response has come from Tamil Nadu, according to M. Shanmugham, Regional Director, IGNOU Regional Centre, Madurai.

Talking to The Hindu on Saturday, he said that the varsity had initiated the movement of starting community colleges after holding nationwide consultations, besides drawing inputs from National Knowledge Commission and the Planning Commission.

“In just two years' time, IGNOU could reach out to two lakh students pursuing vocational education/skill development programmes in the country- be it full-time, part time or spare time. The Community College scheme has gained momentum and it is helping the workforce upgrade their skills thereby leading to good gainful employment,” Dr. Shanmugham said.

The conference is part of three-day national convention — Madurai Symposium 2011 — being organised by the Dhan People Academy. On September 15, it will be for deliberations on IGNOU Community College Scheme.

He said that 104 community colleges in Tamil Nadu were expected to participate in the conference here and delegates would share their experiences.

Click here to know more about Ignou Distance Education

“It will pave way for networking and cross learning among community colleges. Also self-help groups and NGO representatives will be sensitised to community college concept and how they can address livelihood issues through skill building mechanism,” the Regional Director stated.

Giving more details about how a community college will help the underprivileged sections, Dr. Shanmugham said that it provided vertical mobility through associate degree programme by which direct admission to the third year of a degree course was allowed.

“IGNOU Community College scheme is instrumental in bringing university to the community. It establishes linkages with industries and prospective employers. Community colleges have the capacity to offer academic programmes, which are generally not offered in the conventional system of education,” he explained.

Totally, 540 community colleges in the country have got registered with the university till now of which Tamil Nadu has the maximum share of 104 community colleges.

More details about skill development programmes implemented through community colleges can be had from the IGNOU Regional Director Dr. Shanmugham on mobile number 94421-50808.

Source: [The Hindu]