CHENNAI : A two-day training programme has been organised for youth affected by the December 2004 tsunami. Fifty men and women aged 18-35 are participating in the programme.

The participants were chosen from over 200 people, who took part in a business entrepreneurship contest conducted by Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust. Started in 1991, the Trust has helped 1,500 entrepreneurs set up units by providing loans, business mentors, training, networking and marketing support.

In April, the Trust launched a business idea contest for the youth in the coastal villages of Kovalam, Semmanchery, Uyalikuppam, Pudupattinam, Nemmeli and Panayurkuppam in Kancheepuram district. The programme was conducted in partnership with Standard Chartered Bank and the International Labour Organisation. In the two-day programme, the participants will be exposed to sessions on personality development, business planning, and basics of marketing, accounts and financial management and also on business ethics. Participants will be given certificates at the end of the programme being held at the Small Industries Service Institute in Guindy.

A jury will select five people from those who attend the training and the Trust will provide further training and support. Aruna Vinodh, deputy director of the Trust says: "The people have general business ideas and livelihood options like making fish food out of chicken waste. We will provide handhold support. We will give them mentors to provide advice in running the business. Our core activities include supporting youth with loans up to Rs. 50,000."

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