Differently-abled get free multimedia training

Going beyond donations and fund-raisers to make an impact, the Art and Thought Foundation, a media-based NGO, has started free multimedia courses for the differently-abled.

Organised in association with the Tamil Nadu Differently-Abled Federation, the weekend classes have been started in two centres in the city -  Taramani and Karapakkam. A third centre in Mogappair is slated to begin next week. This will cater to both men and women candidates

The classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays for 20 months. Graphic designing, web designing and editing will be taught by trained professionals. The first batch was started on 21 July. As of now, 10 women have enrolled.

John Romeo, project director, Art and Thought Foundation, says, “The course will especially be useful for those with locomotor disabilities as they would find it easier to work from home. Besides, these branches of multimedia have a good scope and they will be able to provide for themselves in a good way.”

John adds, “When we went out and did some initial research, we found that many had stopped their training with DTP, which is not very lucrative. As multimedia courses can cost up to `60,000 in some cases, we thought it might be a good idea to offer the course for free.”

Even those without basic computer knowledge will be helped. He informs says that more centres will be opened depending on the demand.

TMN Deepak, vice president of the Tamil Nadu Differently-Abled Federation said that the focus was primarily on empowering the women to become entrepreneurs and to enable them to indulge in this form of art. “This had been on our minds for a long time, but none of the multimedia centres were willing to give us even one free seat. When the youngsters at Art and Thought approached us, we readily agreed,” he says.

Four computers were generously donated by Shakthivel Shanmugam, a young entrepreneur. “More people are welcome to help us,” says Deepak.

One of the women who will begin the course next week, T Kamatchi, says, “We have been told that basic training will be provided, starting with MS Office.” Those interested can contact the Art and Thought Foundation at 04442147025 for further details.