Vocational Skills and Disaster Management Training in post Tsunami Tamil Nadu

Survivors_Tsunami_Tamil_Nadu

Smile Foundation has tied up with Indian Social Service Institute (ISSI), a local NGO based at Thiruvarangulam District, Tamil Nadu, has conduct a Vocational skill and disaster management training programme with the aim to promote alternative employment opportunities and develop disaster management skills among the youth of tsunami affected villages.

About the Partner

Indian Social Service Institute (ISSI) is a non-profit voluntary organization that has been working for the rural poor since 1986. ISSI is involved in various programmes and activities such as Crèche Centers for Poor Kids, Environment Education to School Children, Skill Training to SHGs, HIV/AIDS Awareness Programme, Awareness Camps and Counseling Services to Elderly People among others. ISSI has also been involved in Tsunami Relief and Rehabilitation work together with local CBOs and individuals. It has also worked collaboratively with the Tsunami Coordination Centre of Local Government Authority (Collectorate) for the implementation of post-Tsunami activities in the Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu.

The Project

Smile Foundation Training Programme covers around 140 youth and women of Anayanthoapu and surrounding coastal villages of Kameshwaram Panchayat, Nagapattinum District, Tamil Nadu. The programme consists of five trades under Vocational Training which include:

· Diesel Engine and Boat Repair / Maintenance

· Fishnet Knitting and Repair

· Solar Fish Processing

· T.V. and Radio Repair

· Coir Rope Making

Relief_Disaster_ManagementAll youths and women also go through Disaster Management and Preparedness Training, which would enable them to manage multiple disaster situations involving local communities. This Entrepreneurial Training and Employment Guidance & Counseling would help them in achieving their employment goals. The training will make women independent and well equipped to run their own entrepreneurships and income generating avenues.

Desired Impact

The project ensures better quality of life and the future safety for the needy people of the area. The Youth are projected to be empowered with new vocational skills, marketing expertise and entrepreneurial skills. Young girls and females are also benefited from increased status in their family and society as they would have ability to generate income through the learned trades. The groups of young people will be able to manage multiple types of disasters, including saving lives and infrastructure in future as and when needed.