Govt HS schools to come under KSWDC programme

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Taking a cue from the response of college students who attended the career-orientation and women empowerment programme of the Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC), career guidance programmes will be held in all government higher secondary schools in the state.In the initial phase, around 120 schools in seven districts were selected for the programme. The programme has been conducted in 20 schools and the rest will be taken up during this academic year.‘’Last year the programme was held in 40 women’s colleges in the state. The idea to expand it to higher secondary schools was mooted by college students as they said that this programme would be more beneficial if conducted for Plus-II students,’’ Corporation managing director P T M Sunish told ‘Express’.Usually the students decide on their career after higher secondary education. Keeping this in view, a sanction was obtained from the State Government and the programme will be expanded to all government schools next year.Students are not having a good knowledge on the educational opportunities after their higher secondary education. An expert team from the Corporation is now on a mission to educate the students on the possible opportunities to build up their career.Parents will also be invited for the programme to make them aware of the courses so that they can help the students to take a decision.The tie-up with NIIT to provide employment training to graduate women is also showing positive results. Two batches have been trained and 22 persons are employed with the ICICI Bank. The third batch with 15 members is undergoing training.Those who complete the selection process at NIIT will be given training and jobs will be ensured. The Corporation will provide an interest-free loan of Rs 80,000 to complete the course which can be paid back in 10 equal instalments.The Resource Enhancement Academy for Career Heights (REACH) programme has already provided jobs for more than 500 women. Earlier, this programme was conducted with the support of other institutions and now the Corporation is directly providing the training. 90 per cent of the participants are absorbed by potential employers, Sunish said.