KOCHI: The Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA) is all set to roll out Samanwaya, an ambitious project aimed at continuous education of members of the transgender community, in January. Registration of participants is in progress across the State.
In the first phase, those who have completed 17 and 22 years of age will be admitted to Standard 10 and Higher Secondary courses respectively. A survey was conducted in this regard earlier this year.
“Each district will get a study centre dedicated to the programme, provided there are at least 15 registrants. Where the number is less, they will have to attend classes with others,” KSLMA Director P.S. Sreekala told The Hindu . The location of study centres and class timings depend on the convenience of registrants.
However, the KSLMA initiative has not evoked a response on expected lines in some districts. Besides, enrolment for 10th equivalent course requires participants to secure certificates proving that they have cleared either the seventh equivalent course or seventh standard in the formal education sector.
Members of the transgender community seem reluctant to return to their schools to collect certificates as many school authorities refuse to recognise their new identity.
“They want to enrol with their new names. But we have to go by the original documents, as the courses we offer are equivalent to formal education. We are now exploring inclusive ways to overcome such challenges,” Ms. Sreekala said.
KSLMA is also holding consultations with the Social Justice Department to address the issue of shelter for the participating members to avoid members dropping out. The possibility of the department providing a shelter in each district near the study centre is being explored.
A brainstorming session involving representatives of community-based organisations, project coordinators and transgender community members will be held in Thiruvananthapuram on October 24 to fine-tune the proposed intensive month-long campaign to boost registration.
It will be followed by an orientation programme for teachers identified for the programme in November and a similar region-wise orientation programme for members of the transgender community.
