Our Core Program
Facilitating access to government social entitlements and schemes.Promoting financial inclusion through bank account openings, savings, deposits, insurance, and pension services.Addressing and preventing violence against Transgender individuals and MSM.Supporting small-scale enterprises and fostering economic development.Providing educational support for Transgender individuals and MSM from low-income families.Offering support for people living with HIV, including nutrition assistance for Transgender individuals and MSM.Strengthening and developing community-based organizations.
Current Implementing Program / Grant
The Social Protection (SP) grant, undertaken by the Salem Thirunangaigal Nala Sangam (STNS), is a vital initiative aimed at empowering transgender (TG) and men who have sex with men (MSM) communities by enhancing their access to crucial documents and government schemes. By raising awareness and providing essential services, the program strives to bridge the gap created by a lack of knowledge and accessibility to legal identification, financial services, and health support by providing Government health insurance scheme, pan card, bank account and other documents.
The project has made significant strides through the deployment of trained community facilitators, who are members of the same communities they serve. This approach has fostered trust and enabled a more relatable and effective outreach. Throughout the year, community facilitators successfully facilitated 438 social protection services, which included helping individuals obtain TG cards, National TG cards, income and residence certificates, PAN cards, and access to various government schemes. This targeted support has been crucial in helping community members secure their rights and improve their quality of life.
Supported by PR – Saathii, SR – Swathi Mahila Sangha, SSR – Salem Pengal Nalavazhu Sangam and the Taaras Coalition, the program has ensured a comprehensive support system for its beneficiaries. The duration of this initiative spans from 2023 to 2024, with a focus on sustaining long-term impact. Despite facing challenges such as migration and health issues among some trained TG members, the project remains resilient, prioritizing follow-ups and continuous support for those engaged.
The achievements of the SP grant emphasize the importance of community-led initiatives and the positive outcomes of equipping marginalized groups with essential tools for empowerment. As we advance, the commitment to fostering awareness and access within the TG and MSM communities remains strong, paving the way for greater social inclusion and protection.
Training on Social Protection Grant:
To support this initiative, Salem Pengal Nala Sangam CBO has trained 80 community facilitators from the districts of Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, and Vellore. These facilitators, who are community members themselves, are now equipped with the skills to help their neighbour community members access essential documents and navigate available government programs. The training sessions, held at Hotel Salem Regency, not only provided valuable knowledge but also fostered a sense of ownership and community engagement. Among the participants, 11 community facilitators from STNS were trained and actively involved in the Project.
Other SP services facilitated by the STNS CBO
- Voter ID card 622
- Smart Card 352
- Chief Minister Insurance 262
- Land Patta and free house 132
- Gazette name Change 12
- Medical Certificate 62
- Transport License 112
- Passport 25
- Old Age Pensions 197
GFATM/C19/RM – KP (Key Population Grant)
A major highlight of the project was the strengthening of CBOs. Through extensive training and the provision of resources, these organizations were better equipped to offer comprehensive support to their communities. The project also prioritized enhancing legal literacy among sex workers, helping them understand their rights and navigate socio-legal frameworks.The initiative’s primary objective was to establish sustainable community mechanisms that promote resilience, dignity, and the well-being of sex workers while advocating for their rights.A major highlight of the project was the strengthening of CBOs.
Details of beneficiaries and operational areas:
STNS supports a total of 3,332 members across 20 blocks in Salem, including 735 Transgender individuals, 1,565 MSM, 32 Trans men, and an additional 1,000 Female Sex Workers (FSWs), all with a detailed line list for targeted interventions.
Operational Areas (Blocks):
Our core initiatives focus on empowering the Trans community and fostering economic progress through microfinance and skill development programs, helping members access government schemes and services. We also prioritize health initiatives, particularly HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, while providing essential legal aid and counseling services. Currently, we serve over 3,000 members of the Trans community, as well as Female Sex Workers (FSWs only TI) from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, across 20 blocks in Salem. Our commitment is to uplift the most vulnerable groups, including the poor, destitute, widows, sex workers, and individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.
Board members Slogan
