ISLAMABAD: A shelter dedicated to the welfare and rehabilitation of the transgender community is set to be launched in the capital as a second phase of its Tahafuz Darasgah after Lahore.

The shelter, being financed and managed by UK-based charity UKCAB (UK Curriculum Accreditation Body), has announced the second phase of its project aimed at supporting the transgender community in Islamabad, especially those in the age bracket of 19 to 35.

According to a press release, the organisation will provide them educational opportunities in general knowledge, math, science, computer literacy and English language, besides vocational skills such as fashion designing, hair and beauty, arts and craft, fine arts and so on to the enrolled people. Graduates will be provided with financial independence initiatives.

UKCAB head Zahid Bhatti said that his organisation recently signed an accord with the Islamabad police to launch a branch of Tahafuz Darasgah in Islamabad. One such shelter is already operational in Lahore.

He said UKCAB would offer loans to transgender persons to help them start their businesses. Moreover, a financial support programme will be implemented to provide benefits and support for these business ventures, along with a comprehensive advice.

For those unable to pursue businesses but are interested in acquiring new skills, the organisation has engaged in discussions with Islamabad and Lahore chambers of commerce. These discussions will soon lead to the signing of MoUs, enabling the chambers to provide employment opportunities through their members. The initiative aims to offer three to six-week placements, and successful participants may receive full-time job offers.

The press release said initially, the Islamabad project would focus on skill-based training for 19 plus students, with a focus on work-based learning. The project’s ultimate goal is to integrate transgender graduates as effective community members, combating violence and other challenges they face.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2024