The Aksharasanthwanam literacy programme will become a practical way of improving the condition of those with mental illness, Minister for Health K.K. Shylaja has said.
She was speaking after inaugurating the programme at the Mental Health Centre here on Wednesday. Aksharasanthwanam has been launched by the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority to shine the light of literacy on residents of destitute homes, old-age homes, and mental health institutions.
Job training
Ms. Shylaja said the Health Department was laying emphasis on both physical and mental health. The government had drawn up an excellent job training programme to enable those who had regained mental health, but continued to be stigmatised by society, to stand on their own feet.
Classes under Aksharasanthwanam will be held for 25 residents of the Mental Health Centre in the first phase.
The Minister also gave away learning materials to the learners. Mission director P.S. Sreekala presided over the function.
Planning Board member Mridul Eapen and Mental Health Centre superintendent T. Sagar were present on the occasion.
