It has been a long journey for fisherwomen in the coastal districts since the tsunami struck in 2004.
With several schemes drawn up for their rehabilitation, many lives have emerged from the dark phase to one of hope over the years.
The Society for Assistance to Fisherwomen (SAF), a registered body under the Fisheries Department, has drawn up a scheme to provide soft skills to fisherwomen to help them gain suitable employment.
A finishing school has been started in Alappuzha for the purpose.
SAF is planning to open similar schools in Ernakulam and Kottayam soon, Fisheries Joint Director C.R. Sathyavathi told The Hindu .
The school provides training for effective communication in English as well as soft skills with a view to handling jobs suited to each woman. The two-month course, including a month’s practical training, is being offered to those who have passed Plus Two.
SAF will also try to connect with prospective employers to explore placement opportunities. It has selected 35 women for skill training in Alappuzha and the course is offered free of charge.
Stipend
A nominal stipend is also being provided.
An approved agency has been entrusted with the task of providing training, she said.
The school, Theera Naipunya, is expected to equip young fisherwomen confidently face the world.
The project is an extension of Theeramytri, a flagship scheme of SAF aimed at empowering fisherwomen leading to economic independence.
SAF has been engaged in mentoring microenterprises and livelihood missions established under tsunami rehabilitation programmes. Its activities are aimed at identifying microenterprises or strengthening existing ones.
Marginalised women in the fishermen community are assisted to start new microenterprises.
SAF was formed in the aftermath of the tsunami in December 2004. It left behind a trail of destruction, affecting about 25 lakh people along the State’ coastline, claiming many lives. Fishermen families were the worst hit, having lost houses, boats and belongings.
The government had implemented two programmes - the Tsunami Rehabilitation Programme, supported by the Asian Development Bank, and the Tsunami Emergency Assistance Programme (TEAP).
Identification of women beneficiary groups and helping them take up income-generating projects were key elements at the implementation stage.
The tsunami relief schemes were later merged under a new programme Theeramythri and SAF was entrusted with the task of executing the projects.
