2 days ago
Kolhapur Trains 15 Trans Persons as Disaster Responders
Kolhapur trained 15 trans people to help during disasters.
They learned how to rescue people from floods and water.
They also learned first aid and CPR.
Their first training took place over three days in May.
The idea began after officials met and supported the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The volunteers may help during floods, accidents and other emergencies.
They were called in during the monsoon, but no major emergency happened.
Officials hope the volunteers will continue practicing and become more involved in community safety.
The programme is also helping challenge unfair ideas about trans people.
Kolhapur’s District Disaster Management Authority trained 15 trans persons in flood management, search and rescue, first aid and CPR.
The volunteers completed a three-day training programme in May, including rescue-boat operations and water rescues.
The initiative developed after officials supported the trans community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The volunteers will gradually join community-based responses to floods, accidents and emergencies, although they are unpaid.
Trans groups from Nandurbar, Dhule, Parbhani and Thane have expressed interest in similar programmes.
- Who
- The Kolhapur District Disaster Management Authority trained 15 trans persons, with support from Maitri and its leader Mayuri Alvekar.
- What
- The volunteers were trained as disaster responders in flood management, search and rescue, first aid and CPR.
- Where
- Kolhapur district in Maharashtra, India.
- When
- The first three-day training programme took place in May; the initiative was developed from an idea considered in 2023.
- Why
- Officials wanted to include trans persons in meaningful community roles and strengthen local disaster response.
Key facts
- Trainees
- 15 trans persons
- Training topics
- Flood management, search and rescue, first aid and CPR
- Initial training
- Three-day programme held in May
- Training support
- Maitri, a trans persons’ organisation led by Mayuri Alvekar
- Volunteer status
- The responders are unpaid volunteers, not employees of the disaster management authority
- Monsoon deployment
- The team was called as a precaution, but no major emergency required deployment
- Expansion interest
- Trans groups from Nandurbar, Dhule, Parbhani and Thane have approached the Kolhapur team
Quotes
Prasad Sankpal
Kolhapur District Disaster Management Officer
“During COVID-19, they were in a very difficult situation. We had supported them with rations, packed food and, in some cases, financial assistance through voluntary organisations. That was when we came in close contact with them.”
freepressjournal.in
“They have the strength to do physically demanding work and also have a caring nature. We wanted to use these qualities positively and bring them into the mainstream.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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