Srotaswini Mohapatra
Pune, 7 August 2024
Marking a significant milestone in its CSR efforts to empower communities, Canon India announced the launch of two new Skill Centres in Kapashera, Delhi, and Andheri East, Mumbai. This initiative aligns with the Skill India mission and highlights Canon India’s dedication to making a positive impact on society through skill development. The Skill Development & Livelihood Program is designed to uplift youth aged 18-25 living in urban slums by equipping them with essential life and employability skills, preparing them for seamless integration into customer-centric, grey-collar jobs and ensuring a pathway to stable and meaningful employment.
Aiming to reach over 2500 individuals in five years, the program targets youth from Below Poverty Line (BPL) who are currently not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Participants will gain crucial skills in high-demand sectors such as BFSI, Retail, IT/ITeS, E-commerce, and Quick Service Restaurants, positioning them for better employment opportunities with an average minimum salary of Rs 12,500.
Commenting on the announcement, Toshiaki Nomura, President & CEO, Canon India, said, “India’s young population can contribute immensely to nation-building and we at Canon India are committed to nurturing this potential through necessary support and resources. ‘Empowerment’ is a critical pillar in our CSR policy, through which we have already impacted thousands of lives in our Adopted Villages. The establishment of new skill centres is a step towards providing market -relevant skills and meaningful opportunities that benefit the youth in building successful careers and contributing to the country’s economy. This initiative is more than just training; it’s about instilling hope, confidence, and the ability to dream bigger. This program represents Canon India’s broader mission to drive sustainable development and empower individuals to achieve their fullest potential.”
Through a comprehensive 2.5-month training period, participants will engage in a blend of hands-on group and individual activities covering key areas such as English language proficiency, IT proficiency, and essential life skills. This training model promotes peer-to-peer learning, encourages collaboration, enhances communication, and boosts confidence, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to handle job interviews and navigate the job market with ease.
The initiative not only aims to provide steady income to boost family earnings by double but also strives to make a real difference in the communities by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. More importantly, the youth will further become ambassadors of change and inspire others in their community.
