The Ernakulam District Panchayat, in an attempt to reach out to the large number of IED (Inclusive Education for the Disabled) students in its limits, will soon launch an entrepreneurship programme to help them launch business start-ups on their own. The scheme, to be initiated with the help of resource teachers deployed in the district, is slated to begin in March.
“To start with, we will be opening training centres called FIGHT (Fulfilment of Independent Living with Goal, Hard work and Talent) schools in about 10 locations to provide vocational training for these kids and each of the centres will enrol a minimum of 50 IED students. Later, they will be given the requisite financial and technical assistance including the raw material and equipment to establish business units”, said Eldhose Kunnappillil, President, Ernakulam District Panchayat.
The local body has set aside Rs 1 crore for the initiative and also plans to expand the programme to 40 more schools by next year.
The products from these units will be marketed under the brand FIGHT and the proceeds from their sale will be disbursed among the beneficiaries.
The programme is being implemented in the wake of the finding that the majority of the IED students are winding up their education immediately after high school or higher secondary. The local body has already commenced a survey to identify the beneficiaries.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will formally launch the initiative at a function to be held at Kakkanad on Thursday.
