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UNDP India 2010 A 116.jpg
Manimegala (second left) and Maria Pradeepa (centre) with other trainees travel by bus the 60km journey from Ramnad to Rameshwaram on a weekly visit to see their families. All these women are studying for a one-year diploma in health assistantship at the Sathya Hospital in Ramnad. They are from fishing communities in and around Rameshwaram. Of the 25 students, the cost of training fourteen of them (including Manimegala and Maria Pradeepa) is funded by GoMBR. For all of the women, they are the first generation in their families to take on such training. The mothers of both Manimegala and Maria Pradeepa only studied until the 5th Grade.
Manimegala says, "Going to study nursing had given me the opportunity to reach people and serve society. But more important than that, is the self-confidence study has provided me. Before my studies began, I had never travelled beyond Rameshwaram bus terminal."
Maria Pradeepa says, "I like having a profession but more than that I like that this diploma gives me the chance to help wider society."
The GoMBR (Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve) is hoping to lessen the impact of fishing by encouraging alternative livelihoods among the fishing community of Rameshwaram. The globally significant biodiversity of this region is threatened by over-harvesting of marine resources, pollution and destruction of habitat. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the UNDP are supporting the conservation of the biosphere reserve by generating awareness among local communities and promoting alternative livelihood opportunities.
Photo: Tom Pietrasik
Ramnad, Tamil Nadu.
September 2nd 2010
Manimegala says, "Going to study nursing had given me the opportunity to reach people and serve society. But more important than that, is the self-confidence study has provided me. Before my studies began, I had never travelled beyond Rameshwaram bus terminal."
Maria Pradeepa says, "I like having a profession but more than that I like that this diploma gives me the chance to help wider society."
The GoMBR (Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve) is hoping to lessen the impact of fishing by encouraging alternative livelihoods among the fishing community of Rameshwaram. The globally significant biodiversity of this region is threatened by over-harvesting of marine resources, pollution and destruction of habitat. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the UNDP are supporting the conservation of the biosphere reserve by generating awareness among local communities and promoting alternative livelihood opportunities.
Photo: Tom Pietrasik
Ramnad, Tamil Nadu.
September 2nd 2010
