Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada   

Computer skills give poor girls a new beginning in life

Girls from Krishna Lanka slum area undergoing a computer training course organised by Adarsh Rural Health and Economic Development Society in Vijayawada.

VIJAYAWADA: S. Swapna, a girl from a city slum, stopped studies despite getting first class in 10th standard, but she went to learn DTP and a few computer skills that helped her eventually lap up a job fetching her Rs. 7,000 per month in an outsourcing programme under the Indira Housing Scheme.

T. Siva Parvathy, a girl from Krishna Lanka slum, started nurturing hopes for a good job that will give her a decent life. Though she stopped studies after 10th class, her parents allowed her to join the computer skills programmes being organised by the Adarsa Rural Health and Economic Development Society (ARHEDS). “I went to work for sometime. Now after this course, I am confident of finding a job and a better life,” she said.

Ms. Parvathy’s father is a scooter mechanic, even as she is made to do household work to supplement family’s income. The fate of another girl Lakshmi Durga is also same, as ARHEDS offered to help her after she was on the brink of losing all hopes of doing a better gob. Lakshmi’s father is vendor of juices on an open four-wheeler.

Despite securing good marks in 10th class, girls from slums mostly discontinue studies mainly due to financial problems and settle down working as household maids. These academically bright girls in Krishna Lanka and Ranigarithota slums have now a golden opportunity with ARHEDS organisation offering them computer skills programmes with sponsorships from Netherlands-based SKN donors agency.

ARHEDS programme in charge V. Ramakrishna says that they have trained 210 girl children from the poorest of poor families till now with support from SKN and there is scope for extending such help to another 500 children. They are also taking care of finding a placement for the girls, who learn the skills well. The project has come as a boon for educationally bright girls from the slums, as many job opportunities are emerging for those having basic computer skills. They can work as data entry operators or office assistants getting Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,000 per month.

Mr. Ramakrishna says that there is a very good demand for Telugu DTP operators, which is why they are giving necessary skills to girls students of their six-month computer programme. MS Word, Excel and other skills are being taught. Bank of Baroda, Nalanda School, Global Hospital and various other organisations have asked for DTP operators having good skills like speed and good training.

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