Chennai: The Young Women's Christian Association (YMCA), Sahodri Project Madras in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu State Social Welfare Board (TNSSWB) and the Satyam Foundation, has started a free IT school for deprived women in Chennai.

The first batch of 20 women is ready to start a three-month computer course at the school. Satyam Foundation has provided 100 computers, software and instructors for the batch.

The Sahodri project functions as a counseling centre. It has received grants from the TNSSWB, offering short stay shelter residence and a legal clinic to women in distress.

"The IT course aims to empower women by enabling them to be self-sufficient," Task Force Member of Sahodari project, Audrey Dias said.

Sheila Jayaprakash, Task Force Member of YWCA Madras, explained "We used to arrange servant work for women, but while that was more like charity this IT course aims for social empowerment. Maybe the next course is a driving course for women. We are looking for new projects and new partners to work with".

After the completion of the course, all women will be assisted to take up a job in the IT sector.

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Investment Corporation (TIIC) will provide loans to support business projects of the women who completed the course.