Innovative Idea and a PLHA-a success story

[Guest guest]

Dear Moderator,

Innovations Fund for HIV and AIDS, a joint initiative of UNDP, NACO and INP+, is

a mechanism for addressing the struggle of HIV infection.

The initiative seeks to support community based organizations, civic bodies and

citizens groups, NGOs to develop small but efficient projects to address their

immediate concerns in an innovative and effective way. The fund hopes to develop

critical mass of many small innovations and create space for fresh, critical

thinking. The funding is focused to make the National AIDS Control Programme

(NACP) substantial and comprehensive.

The unique initiative of MNP+,THOUBAL district of Manipur- establishing a

Computer Cyber Institute and thereby generate income. And also providing

training for 50 PLHA on basic computer course and planning to place them with

data entry operator agencies is worth mentioning.

Members of MNP+, Thoubal Network has tried hard for this INNOVATIONS

FUND since 2006 and lastly got approved by March 2007. As this support

means a lot to the PLHA members of Thoubal district, they put full

effort to make the Computer Cyber Institute materialized in such a way

that there in no loop holes or gaps, and not to compromise the quality

of the services. The main aim for this unique initiative is self

sustenance of the network, which in turn will contribute to the

organization's activities and programs for the betterment of PLHA

community.

What makes this Computer Cyber Institute (CCI) appears very appealing,

and worthwhile for other agencies to be replicated in other parts of the nation,

is that, this so call CCI is a sole institute in Thoubal

district of Manipur working on network environment offering Computer

basic course, Desktop publishing (DTP), Office Automation, Film and

photo editing, Internet handling, computer science for school kids, etc.

Not only that, apart from giving computer literacy, formation of Self

Help Group for income generation program, Advocacy with stakeholders;

institution, corporate sectors and government agency for generating the HIV and

AIDS activity and social marketing, distribution of IEC material and condom

promotion for HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment are also some of the main

strategic component for CCI.

Some worthwhile key achievements of CCI till date are; 10 students had

already been inducted for computer training, 30 customers provided basic HIV and

AIDS awareness and about positive network, distributed IEC material related to

HIV/AIDS information to the public and advertisement of the Computer Cyber

Institute (CCI).

The centre has initiated social marketing for enhancing business volume and

social acceptance of HIV/AIDS issues. The institute (CCI) is networking with

small industry and educational institute and other government departments for

taking contract of computer education, developing of print mother copy draft for

printing press, CD burning, DTP work, etc.

One commendable thing regarding the initiative is, by December 2007 they are

planning to train 50 (fifty) PLHA members with such courses with 50% discount

and planning to network with other agencies which provide Data Entry operating

services, so that these trained PLHA can earn their livelihood.

The present CCI is equipped with 10 Computers, 1 Laser Printer, 1 Ink

Jet Printer (All-in-one), 10 UPS, one 7 KVA Diesel Generator and other

infrastructures needed for the establishment.

The establishment is run in such a user's friendly environment under

the supervision of 1 competent Project Manager and 1 assistant. But the overall

supervision for the centre is done by the Chief Functionaries of MNP+ Thoubal.

According to their President, they are planning to affiliate the institute with

the Science and Technology, Govt. of India.

As the institute is in its initial stage he also plans to build linkages with

other stakeholders, viz. school, colleges, offices printing press, with Assam

Riffles, India Army and other agency for providing technical support in action

plan of the program so to benefit from their Military Civic action program.

He also plan to expand the centre to make available all the important computer

related accessories, like printer ink, blank CDs, DVDs, hardware parts, etc.

which are in high demand.

The President of the network expresses his heartfelt regards to NACO,

UNDP and INP+ for providing support technically and financially, but

expresses the need for more technical support so that their

establishment can be a recognized as an Institute by the Govt. of India.

" Lathokpam "

e-mail: <lathokpam@...>