Relief for stateless kids as they can resume studies

GEORGE TOWN: Three children who were barred from studying at SJKT Mak Mandin in Butterworth, all because they were declared stateless, are now thankful to the Education Ministry and the Penang Education Department as they can now resume their studies.
The children's plight was brought to the attention of the media by their father M. Vengadeswaran, 44, last week.
He sought the help of the Penang Education Department who in turn directed him to the National Registration Department where he produced his citizenship and a DNA report to confirm that the three children were his.
The problem ensued due to the children's birth certificate not stating the name of the father, mother and their citizenship status.
The children's ordeal began last year and again early this year when they were barred from entering the school.
Vengadeswaran, told theSun that he received a letter from the Penang Education Department on Jan 26 stating that his children can resume their schooling today (Jan 31).
He however said his children will only be allowed to go to school for six months as they need the new birth certificates from the NRD.
"I am in the midst of submitting the necessary documentations for my children's new birth certificate. I hope once submitted the NRD will assist in expediting the issuance of the certificate," said Vengadeswaran.
Vengadeswaran's said his children Suriya, 12, Agilandaswari, 11 and Thuranayagi, 10 were happy when they got to know they are allowed to go back to their school and continue studying.
On Jan 25, the single father shared their predicament with the media and a non-governmental organisation known as Freedom which also came forward to help the Vengadeswaran and the children.
Vengadeswaran who works as a lorry driver told theSun that he is happy that his children can now go back to school.