Bangalore:

The Karnataka State Minorities Commission (KSMC), Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) and the Karnataka State Commission for Women (KSCW) jointly initiated ‘Samrakshana Project’ as part of a summer camp for Muslim women and children at DJ Halli’s Government Urdu High School recently.

The event saw the participation from more than 2,000 women and children. The aim was to set up community-based training-cumresource centres to impart livelihood skills and conduct empowerment programmes for adolescent girls and women.

Speaking at the valedictory function, Karnataka State Minority Commission member and founder of ‘AASRA’, a helpline for Muslims women who are deprived of opportunities, Sajida Sheik, said, “Most of the community members are not educated. The families break down frequently and women are often left to fend for themselves. Most women are beaten up either by their husband or by their in-laws. So the aim of this camp is to support these women. Our members will constantly inspect these slums and help them in getting education and other support.”

Supporting the claims made by Sajida, KSCPCR member Sindhu said, “The girls here learn fast, their soft skills are very good. But the education level among the boys is low. Most of them drop out by the time they reach 10 standard. Parents are now quite enthusiastic to educate their children. We just need to give them a little push.”

KSMC chairman Amwar Manipaddy, KSCPCR chairman Nina Nayak and KSCW chairman Manjula C were present during the valedictory ceremony and congratulated the team for organising the camp to uplift the community.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / Home> South> Southern News> Karnataka / The New Indian Express, Express News Service / May 30th, 2012