THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: How about conducting an equivalency programme exclusively for transgender people and changing the mindset of society towards them in the process? Well, that’s what the state Literacy Mission aims to achieve through its ‘Samanwaya’ programme.
A first of its kind in the country, as many as 145 transgenders are attending classes across the state and are preparing for the Classes IV, VII, X and higher secondary equivalency exams.
In order to make instructors of these courses aware of the rights of transgender people, a handbook has been brought out for them.
The aim is to make them aware that transgenders are very much a part of society and that equal rights enshrined in the Constitution for men and women are also applicable to them.
The instructors or ‘preraks’ have been asked to adopt a non-discriminatory behaviour towards transgender people. They should not be subjected to ridicule or be taunted through words or actions. The instructors have been asked to understand the distinct dressing style, way of speaking and physical characteristics of transgenders. The literacy instructors are expected to create awareness in society about transgender rights.
Providing encouragement to transgenders, not comparing them with other learners and imparting counselling to them when needed are also the responsibility of the instructors, according to the handbook which was released by Social Justice Minister K K Shylaja the other day.
Encouraging enrolment
Separate classes for transgenders have been arranged in districts where more than 10 members of the community have enrolled in each course. Separate classes for Class X and higher secondary courses have been arranged in Thiruvananthapuram. Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha. In districts where enrolment is below 10, classes will be conducted along with the general equivalency programme.
Kollam, where the programme will be launched, has the maximum number of enrolments at 35. While 20 members of the transgender community have enrolled in the Class X equivalency programme in Kollam, 15 have registered for higher secondary. Thiruvananthapuram has a total of 20 enrolments with 10 each in Class X and higher secondary. Pathanamthitta has 25 members of the community enrolled in the higher secondary equivalency programme alone. In Alappuzha, 10 have enrolled in the Class X equivalency programme.