A skilled youth is a nation’s greatest resource, especially in a young nation like India. Everyone should be able to earn their bread in this competitive world.
In India, the unemployment rate among youth is almost 13% as compared to 4.9% globally. What we need to change that figure is skill development which is the key component to healthy economic growth. Educational qualifications are only essential for entering the job market, but it is the skills that will finally determine one’s employability.
The support of Dr Hari Prasad Kanoria under the banner of IISD, SREI Foundation, and IISD Edu World enabled Vocational training on the Skill Development Initiative Scheme under supervision of IISD started in 2013 at Datre Corporation Ltd. training centre.
A wide range of vocational courses is offered currently, including Industrial Safety, Turner, Welder, Fitter, House Wiring, Spoken English, etc. These vocational courses have helped many local youths, mostly unemployed and underprivileged who wanted to make something of themselves but did not have the resources to do so. Upon the successful completion of the courses, candidates are awarded IISD certificates of competency. Many of such trained candidates are now engaged in employment elsewhere or self-employed.
IISD’s Skill Development Scheme for Women:
Many women around us have the entrepreneurship mindset, have the necessary skill set but because of lack of knowledge or societal pressure, they never work on their skills or start their business. We wanted to change that. Thus, SREI Foundation has set up this Sewing Training Centre at the premises of Datre Corporation Ltd., for women empowerment to help women achieve self-reliance and financial independence by providing vocational training. This has helped them start a business on their own or find employment. Women can be self-sufficient and confident in their traditional role as homemakers and immensely benefit from a sustainable and self-reliant source of livelihood. Along with sewing, the women students are also being taught embroidery and designing as well as tailoring.
Dispensary:
In the Falta area of West Bengal, Kedarnath Bhagirathi Kanoria Health Service Clinic was set up. Doctors there currently provide free treatment to locals. Free medicines are also provided to patients.
Environmental Organic Farm:
A plantation of about 500 banana trees along with plantations of about 50 other species of tree saplings was done in a factory’s premises as well as quarter complex areas. Such plantations happen from time to time in the above premises for improvement of environment and all-round look.
IISD EDU WORLD – Computer Hub:
IISD EDU WORLD has also set up a Training Centre at Datre Corporation Limited in South 24-Parganas for Course on Computer Concept (CCC) and Basic Computer Course (BCC) as an approved Facilitation Centre of National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) (An Autonomous Scientific Society of Deity).
Skills are central to improving employability and livelihood opportunities, reducing poverty, enhancing productivity, and promoting environmentally sustainable development. Coordinated efforts are needed to develop an integrated approach that improves access to relevant, good quality education and training for all.
Rural India has immense potential to boost manufacturing and export. SREI Foundation is committed to helping people learn life skills and survive on those skills. Making youth independent is not a benefit, but a dire need for the country, and with the help of these initiatives, we will surely achieve that.