In a first in the state, ASAP Kerala is partnering with the Kasaragod District Panchayat to curate exclusive skilling programmes for women who were unable to pursue higher education after plus-two. The initiative – Dharppanam – was launched by Shri MV Govindan Master, Hon’ble Minister for Local Self Governments and Excise, at ASAP Community Skill Park, Vidya Nagar, Kasaragod, on August 16. It aims to enable them to earn a livelihood and acquire a certification from Sreenarayanguru Open University and other universities in Kerala, thus enhancing their employability.
The skill package includes training in life skills, digital literacy, financial literacy and vocational skills, in consonance with the local demands. Instituted for a batch of 250 women candidates, the initiative will, subsequently, be scaled up to accommodate 500 candidates. The vocational training programmes being offered include Certificate in Accounting Technician, Artisanal Bakery and Community Mobiliser.