Women get ‘talking computers’

As part of the computer training programme for visually-challenged women, the district panchayat distributed 10 ‘talking computers’ to the students of the Vocational Training Centre in Pothinikad, Kothamangalam, at a function held at the district panchayat hall on Tuesday.

District panchayat president Eldhose Kunnappillil inaugurated the distribution of the computers. Computers and accessories worth Rs 4.22 lakh were distributed as part of the panchayat’s ‘Jyothirgamaya programme’ for women’s empowerment.

“The programme aims to train visually-impaired women and equip them to browse the internet and learn other applications to help them secure jobs in various fields. The project submitted by the Federation of the Blind was sanctioned last year and will be inaugurated by Minister for Panchayats M K Muneer on November 27,” said Eldhose Kunnappallil.

Although around 400 qualified women across the state require training, only 10 has been selected based on merit and qualification.

The one-year residential course will offer training to 10 women who have completed SSLC. It is essential for all of them to have computer knowledge.

Training will be given in Word, MS Office, Tally and other applications.

“This is a statewide programme but only Ernakulam district panchayat has taken the initiative to implement it. We have selected 10 students for the programme. A knowledge in computers will help them secure jobs in various fields. Though a few visually-challenged are working as computer operators in banks, training will equip them to access wider range of knowledge and opportunities,” said K J Varghese, one of the state vice-presidents of the Federation.

The residential training will be free of cost.

The C-DIT will conduct the examination and give certificates after completion of the course.

District panchayat vice-president Bindu George and standing committee chairpersons Babu Joseph, K K Soman and Sajitha Siddique were present.