Armed with livelihood skills, PLHAs get new lease of life
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray
Ukhrul, July 18 2012:
For the people living with HIV/AIDS particularly the women and widows in Ukhrul, it is a new beginning to look on life ahead armed with livelihood skills as the Indigenous Mother's Association (IMA) embarks on "economic rehabilitation programme" here on Wednesday.
A three-day "Farmers Training Programme on Backyard Poultry Farming for HIV Positive Persons" is being organized jointly by the State's Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandary Services and Indigenous Mother's Association for PHLAs women and widows.
"The programme as such is organized for the first time in Ukhrul� It's a historic day for Indigenous Mother's Association," said IMA president Tam Zimik.
Zimik, who also graced the training programme as chief guest, said that the IMA would continue to impart more livelihood skills and efforts will be made to bring in more PLHAs into their "economic rehabilitation programme" in future.
On the efforts of IMA to ensure "right to livelihood" as enshrined in Indian constitution and a basic tenet of human rights, she stated that the Association targets women and girls living with HIV/AIDS.
As many as 50 women and widows are participating in the livelihood training programme, which will conclude on July 20 .
In today's opening programme, District Veterinary Office Joint Director Dr.Debendra Kumar Singh attended as president, while Ukhrul Sericulture Department Assistant Director CM Paul, District Agriculture Office's AO Louis Ngasainao and Union Baptist Church Pastor Rev.R Rimai graced as Guests of honour.
Ukhrul Veterinary Officer Dr.Ngahorshai Luithui gave an introductory speech and highlighted on various aspects of backyard poultry farming.
In near future, the IMA is also planning to organize more such programmes in collaboration with Sericulture Department and other departments that could impart hands-on training for PLHAs.
Many officials, who attended and spoke during the programme, shared their experiences and encourage the PLHAs to have a positive mindset.
In Dr.Debendra Kumar Singh's speech, the audience gets to hear an exemplary story as he narrated how his kins are also affected by HIV/AIDS.