Residential school for transgenders in Kochi

Palakkad: A proposal to uplift transgenders through education is all set to be implemented in the state. Understanding the importance of education, Vijayarajamallika, an activist and a transgender herself, came forward with the proposal. The project aims to ensure school drop-outs continue their education and succeed in an examination that is equivalent to Class X. A total of ten students will be admitted for training in the initial phase. IT and other skill development programmes will be included in the schedule.

It will be the first residential school in India for transgenders if the project succeeds. "Even though organisations like Kochi Metro are coming forward to provide job opportunities for transgenders, the lack of qualifications is seen as a challenge among transgenders," said Vijayarajamallika, a post-graduate in social work. The school which is proposed to be set up in a residential model has several impediments in front of it when it comes to safety and finance.

"We are seeking a residential area in Kochi for this. The revised 2016 Budget allocates Rs 10 crore for welfare programmes of transgenders in the state and 58 NGOs have already submitted projects and proposals for the same. The practicality of such projects is doubtful. Therefore, we will approach the government for financial help only after it proves to be  worthwhile," she added. They are planning to pool in money from their own sources and seek public help.
The Government of Kerala brought out a policy for transgenders during the previous government's regime. However, it was not implemented till now.