P. Ilavarasi did not have any career choices when she left home a few months ago after misunderstandings with her husband. Part of a group of 20 women chosen to undergo computer training, she will soon become economically independent.
The three-month course, being offered by Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board in association with Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu Ltd, was inaugurated at YWCA, Poonamallee High Road, on Monday.
“I am living at a short stay home run by a non-governmental organisation in Peravallur. I have completed higher secondary school. I hope this course will get me a job to become financially independent,” said Ms. Ilavarasi.
The course aimed at making many women, who left their homes owing to various reasons such as dowry harassment and family problems, self-confident by imparting employment skills.
Besides those from seven short stay homes in the city, underprivileged women and those from family counselling centres are also supported through the course. C. Shanthakumari, daughter of a staff member at the Institute of Mental Health, hopes to support her father with the training in basic computer concepts.
Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board joint secretary S. Kumara Prasad said the Board had also tied up with YWCA Sahodari project. In the past three years, three batches of students have been trained under the programme funded by corporate firms. Some of the other courses include nursing and tailoring, he said.
Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board chairperson Salma said the candidates would continue to reside in the short stay homes until they gain confidence to live on their own. Discussions are on with corporate firms to increase the number of such training programmes.
The Board is set to offer skill upgrading programme for counsellors of family counselling centres in a month, she said.
