First Transgender Residential School To Open In Kochi Soon

Kerala has never disappointed us in terms of giving transgender communities their rightful place. Once again, it has scripted history.

For the very first time, a residential transgender school -- Sahaj International School -- will be inaugurated in Kochi on December 30, transgender activists Vijayaraja Mallika, Maya Menon and Faisal CK said recently. Do note that Kerala was the first Indian state to welcome a transgender policy.

Because everyone has the right to education :) https://t.co/PvUegIK7Pi

— Hirak Chatterjee (@hirakme) December 18, 2016

The first batch of the residential school will have 10 transgender students, who will study under the National Open School system. Six transgender teachers from the TransIndia Foundation would join the faculty. Famous transgender rights activist and artist Kalki Subramaniam will inaugurate the school.

Also Read: Meet Bishesh Huirem – The first Indian transgender woman at ‘Miss International Beauty Queen’ contest

“In the beginning, we have a few sponsors supporting us. We are planning to seek financial help from the government,” Vijayaraja Mallika told the Indian Express.

Also read: Campaign starring India’s first transgender women band wins big at Cannes Lions

The first batch of selected students come from different sections of the transgender community. A specially-able person and a migrant are among the first batch of students.

“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,” Vijayaraja, who is a post-graduate, told Deccan Chronicle in September 2016.

Also Read: 8 Human Rights India Needs to Pay Attention to

Along with skill development programmes and examinations equivalent to Classes 10 and 12, there will be talented teachers and social workers joining in as volunteers to take classes for the students.

“The aim of a transgender school is to provide transgenders security, salvation and sustainability,” Vijayaraja Mallika added, as reported by the Indian Express.

Also, the contribution of Christian organisation, Pro-life sector, and National Open School is notable.

Also read: Activist Akkai Padmashali is the first transgender woman to be awarded Honorary doctorate

This initiative would definitely lead transgenders to a brighter road of education and employment. Because everyone has the right to education.

Feature Image Credit:  Indiatimes

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