NEWS from the Targeted Invention for FSW/MSM Project desk

The support group meeting for the PLHIV was conducted on 20th March 2010 at Marthandam participated by 22 persons. Training on preparation of Nutritious Health mix was conducted as a part of the support group meeting.

MSM convention was organizedat Marthandam Drop in centre. Several cultural events like fashion show, performing song and dance were staged. This convention had served as a platform for the sexual minorities to exhibit their talents. There was a discussion and deliberation on facilitating formation of District level MSM federation in Kanyakumari District, participated by CBO representatives and representatives of Kumari AIDS Thaduppu Sangam.

A one day exposure program was organized for Community Health Educators and the stakeholders from Melpuram, Munchirai and Thiruvattar blocks. The team visited and interacted with the representatives of CBO facilitated by SNIDRP, an NGO implementing Targeted Intervention project at Neyattrinkara of Trivandrum district. The visiting team was able to learn the different strategies applied by the CBO for quality outreach services.

The Red Ribbon Express arrived at Nagercoil on 14th March 2010 inorder to create awareness among general community on HIV/AIDS prevention and Control, Care & Support programs. CHARDEP committed itself to mobilize the general community especially SHG members and the total viewers for 2 days was 30,000. 250 were counseled, 160 took the HIV test and 38 were screened for STI and the needed people were treated. The visitors were provided with butter milk. There was a stall put up on the platform with adequate IEC materials and disseminate information on HIV/AIDS. The initiatives taken by CHARDEP were well appreciated by the entire TNSACS, APAC, DAPCU and the District Administration. As the pre arrangements activities the general public was informed about the arrival of RRE by taking a procession on bullock carts and horses

CHARDEP Director along with other NGO heads implementing HIV/AIDS prevention and control project participated in the 5 days exposure program to DABUR - a CBO in the Sonakachi area at Kolkata and Targeted Intervention project in IDU at New Delhi.  This learning visit was coordinated by CSR in association with APAC – VHS. Learning was focused on the management and functioning of DABUR – CBO run by female sex workers.

Project Coordinator of CHARDEP – CCC participated in the six days (8th to 13th March2010) training on Advocacy facilitated by TANSACS at Kanyakumari.

Mrs.Grace, Training Coordinator of CHARDEP participated in the three days (10th to 12th March 2010) training of trainees under Swarnajayanthi Gramin Swarozgar Yojana conducted by District Institute of Rural Development at T.Kallupatti in Virudhunagar district.

Mr. R. Shunmugam from CHARDEP has attended the Turnkey Workers Training Programme on Biogas Technology held during March 9 – 29, 2010 conducted by Biogas Development and Training Centre, Department of Bio=Energy, Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, TNAU, Coimbatore.

Training
• A & R training has been given for newly formed 10 SHGs
• Membership training was given to the SHGs members from Aruhuvilai, Pudugramam and Kothaigramam
• Skill development training on Ornamental designing has been given to the members of 25 SHGs at Colachal Municipality

           Block level awareness program on banning of plastic bags has been held in Agastheeswaram and Rajakkamangalam blocks. More than 300 SHG members participated in the awareness programme.

• Revolving fund disbursed to 7 SHGs amounting to Rs.3.50 lakhs.
• Direct Linkages loan disbursed to 95 SHGs amounting to Rs.3.3 crores for their economic development.
• Economic Assistance under SGSY scheme has been given to 36 SHGs for the amount of Rs.1.57 crores in order to start dry fish unit, tailoring & embroidery unit and coir making unit.
• 22 new SHGs were formed during this month.