Saturday, January 17, 2009

WORD will work for Link Workers Scheme in Namakkal and Paramathy Taluks in Namakkal District under GFATM Round 7/ NACO

P. Gnanasekar, Project Associate

Recently WORD was select to implement link workers scheme in Namakkal and Paramathy Taluks in Namakkal District by AIDS Prevention and Control Project (APAC), Chennai under GFATM 7/ NACO. Recently the MoU has been signed between APAC and WORD.

Why Link Workers Scheme?
- Over the years virus has moved from the urban to rural areas from High risk to general population.
-Disproportionately affecting women and the youth.
- 38% of total infections are among women.
-37% of total infection are among young persons <29 years.
-Over 57% of the infected live in rural areas.
Objectives of the Link Workers Scheme?
- To reach out to ‘high risk groups’ and vulnerable young people in rural areas with information, knowledge and skills on STI/HIV prevention and risk reduction.
- To promote increased and consistent use of condoms with casual and regular partners.

-To establish inter-linkages between gender, sexuality and HIV and bring into focus the factors that enhances vulnerability of young people and women both in High risk groups and general population.
- To generate awareness and enhance utilization of prevention, care and support programmes & services (especially STI, ICTC, PPTCT, ART and DOT)
-To create an enabling environment for PLHIVs and their families by reducing stigma and discrimination.
- To facilitate the re integration of high risk groups into the community and recognition of their rights.
- To work with community Village health committees and other community structures such as SHG,PRI

WORD will implement this project with 4 Supervisors and 16 Link Workers who will work intensively in the villages. The recruitment of staff is on. Having completed the formal training program, the project activities will formally start with the Mapping Exercises in the villages.

Soon WORD will have new building for its Short Stay Home and Vocational Training Centre

P. Gnanasekar, Project Associate.

Terre Des Hommes- Nederlands supports WORD for Project Blooming Buds- an overall development of children in 40 villages in Namakkal District. Under this project, WORD runs a short stay home for children and a vocational training centre. Soon, WORD will have its new building for the short stay home and the vocational training centre with the funding support of TdH-Nederlands.

Foundation Stone Laying function

On 14th January 2009 during the Pongal day, the foundation stone laying function held at the project site in Teachers Colony in Thummankurichi Panchayat in Namakkal District. Mr. P. Ramesh, Project Co-ordinator welcomed the distinguised guests and all the gathering. Mr. Meru, Program Officer, TdHNL-India unveiled the foundation stone and delivered the key note address. Mrs. Meru, Mr. Ranjithkumar Singh, Project Officer-TdHNL India, Er. Rajendran, NE Construction Company, Mr. Ravi, President- Thummankurichi Panchayat were also present during the simple function. Mrs. Renida Sarala proposed vote of thanks.

The Gathering

The staff of WORD and the project beneficiaries attended the function.