TAI proposes to train around 2,000 members of the community in various skills
including computer training, tailoring and fashion-designing, catering and folk
arts, Dr R Lakshmi Bai, TAI project director, told a press conference here
yesterday.
The sex workers would be allowed to mould the programmes according to their
requirements, she said, adding that the training would help economic
development and generate opportunities or employment schemes.
The difference between other HIV/AIDS awareness programmes and TAI was that the
latter would not compel anybody to quit the flesh trade, but only insisted on
use of condoms for safe sex, Dr Lakshmi said.
TAI would enable sex workers set up small businesses in the area by arranging
bank loans. This would enable them to quit the flesh trade on their own, she
said. 'The Bill Gates Foundation has sanctioned US $ 12.7 million for the
project in the State and it would be implemented in five years,' she pointed
out.
Dr Lakshmi Bai said within a year of inception, TAI had reached out to 32,000
male and female sex workers in 13 districts in the State.
