A tuition centre at Masakalipalayam in Coimbatore has been functioning along the lines of Brand Amma, providing free coaching to about 60 poor students in and around that area.

The centre which was conceived five years ago is a prototype of selfless service, said R Marappan, area councillor, who runs the centre.

“Poor students from mainly corporation schools benefit from this cantre,” said R Marappan, adding, “Other poor students also study here.”

College students teach for free at this centre, which is a brainchild of Manoj Kumar, an engineer.

“He suggested the idea of opening a coaching centre for poor children and even lent his premises for this purpose.”

Marappan is planning to expand the centre, which will have on its roll more than 100 students before the end of this year.

“We are looking to build a bigger centre elsewhere, and hope like-minded people will come forward to help,” said the councillor who supplies free notebooks and stationery as well.