Background to SALT visits

Siaap has been educating young people about reproductive tract infections (RTI), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV as well as about sex and sexuality through village meetings separately with young boys, young girls, newly married women and men. We also refer those with symptoms to the nearby government hospitals for testing and treatment and in some cases, accompany them. In addition, we have conducted events to elicit their views and, in turn, educate them about these aspects through quizzes, debates and similar interactive methodology. We have reached out to 382,000 young people in 13 districts across the state till date. Youth-Friendly Counselling Centres have been established with the support of the local panchayat (local self-government at the village level) in villages to provide a safe space for young people to talk about sex and sexuality related aspects. To date, 136,823 youth have received sexuality counselling. They have gainfully used these benefits to make improvements in their personal life.

Another important component of this project is to create livelihood options, especially for young women so that they are better skilled to gain from income generating opportunities without being forced to resort to sex work due to either lack of skill, opportunity or poverty. Young women are put through a four-day training on entry-level employability skills and then linked with employment opportunities of their choice. Topics covered in training can be grouped under Personal Skill Development (values & lifestyle, goals, decision-making, self awareness, personal hygiene, etc.), Workplace Skills (understanding employment, workplace communication, creative thinking and problem-solving, etc.) and Workplace Behaviour (punctuality, work ethics, etc.). We have trained 3,667 young people of which 1,521 (41%) have been employed thus far. For many of these women this is the first time they are venturing for work outside the confines of their home!

The CLCP process has been applied and SALT visits have been undertaken earlier too. Participatory methods have largely been used in engaging with the community, in assessing impacts, in redesigning whenever required and in achieving increased community ownership and sustainability.

Tips for our SALT visits

People of Tamil Nadu are by and large very hospitable and welcome visitors with warmth and a great sense of curiosity, especially in rural communities. Here are some tips to help you warm up to communities better.

• • It would be appreciated if you greet people with folded hands as is the custom in these parts. People do not usually shake hands though children would be willing to do so. Therefore, please do not volunteer to shake hands with those of the opposite sex.

  • Answer people's questions to an extent that you are comfortable as they are quite likely to ask you personal questions such as whether you are married and how many children you have; children may wish to touch you. Please do not feel offended or threatened and do not ignore their questions.

  • Feel free to sit down with people on the floor in villages even though they might offer you chairs and be willing to sit down on the floor themselves. Please decline this and sit along with them as this speaks of equality and solidarity and brings us closer to people.

  • Please remove footwear before entering a home or temple as it is considered respectful.

  • Please do dress modestly and avoid wearing short clothes or those that are very tight or transparent. Clothes that cover the entire body would be the most appropriate.

  • It would be advisable to carry mosquito repellent with you as there would be plenty of mosquitoes this time of the year during early/late evenings.

  • Please take the consent of people before you take photographs.