- Sustained initiatives by GHCL’s CSR arm, helps create rural livelihoods and employment for women
- In FY 2024, some 1,590 students were trained at GHCL Foundation’s VTIs, which is almost double as compared to the previous year
- The success of the VTIs is bolstered by partnerships with over 350 companies and hospitals, including Welspun, Just Dial, Sky Textiles, Adani Solar, German Calibration Lab, Varmora Tiles, Balaji Wafers, Hyundai, Harshal Engineering, BKT, and Shaktiman
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, JULY 22
With a view to improve rural livelihoods and promote women empowerment through equal opportunities for employment, GHCL Foundation’s Vocational Skill Training Institutes (VTIs) have taken significant measures in Gujarat. In the past two years, the VTIs have trained some 2,349 individuals, achieving a placement rate of approximately 85%, with 2,046 candidates securing jobs in various industries, says a Foundation release.
Situated in Sutrapada, Jafrabad, Kaj-Velan, Talala, Mota Lajja, and Port Victor in Gir Somnath and Amreli districts of Gujarat, these VTIs provide trainings that help enhance employment prospects of the youth in villages of Gujarat. With plans to expand into Kutch district, these institutes will further help empower more rural youth.
In FY 2024, some 1,590 students were trained at GHCL Foundation’s VTIs, which is almost double as compared to the previous year. VTI’s curriculum comprises 70% practical, 15% theory, and 15% soft skills. It has been carefully designed to ensure students are job-ready.
Students from GHCL Foundation’s VTIs have been placed in Business Process Outsourcing Companies (BPOs), as electrical assistants, sewing machine operators, general duty assistants, and in fitting and fabrication work, earning an average monthly salary between Rs 9,816 and Rs 16,176. A majority of the students also retain their jobs, with little attrition.
Incidentally, the total students trained in FY 2024 and FY 2023 also include 1,549 women, of whom 1,332 have been placed, significantly enhancing their socio-economic standing.
Most of the trainees enrolled in VTIs are from financially weaker families. Their parents are mostly engaged in agricultural labour and fishery work. Many trainees have dropped out of main stream education because of poor financial conditions of family. Women face additional challenges of an orthodox family mind-set that doesn’t allow them to go out and work. VTIs work especially in this area. Through proper counselling of parents, youth and community they have successfully enrolled many women and girls to opt for skill training and placement opportunities.
A case in point is Dhaval Dafda, a resident of Mota Samadhyala of Khambha Block, who took training at GHCL’s VTI and now works as a nurse at Dwarkadhish Hospital in Savarkundla, earning Rs 23,000 per month. His parents are engaged in agricultural labour work. His family believes that their socio-economic condition improved as he earns a good amount of salary. Dhaval is proud that now he will be able to finance his younger sister’s education and her marriage. He is also helping his father financially.
Similarly, Hiral Chudasama, a resident of Gundaran village of Talala Block also works as a nurse at Jhanvi Hospital in Vadodara with a monthly salary of Rs 14,000. She has 7 members in her family. Her parents are engaged in agricultural labour work. She is very happy to share that now she is financially independent and also supports her family.
The success of the VTIs is bolstered by partnerships with over 350 companies and hospitals, including Welspun, Just Dial, Sky Textiles, Adani Solar, German Calibration Lab, Varmora Tiles, Balaji Wafers, Hyundai, Harshal Engineering, BKT, and Shaktiman. These collaborations help design relevant curricula, ensuring students are equipped with in-demand skills.
“Our focus is on transforming and empowering rural youth in our areas of operation, including the Sidi Community. Through skill development and sustainable livelihood options, we are dedicated to enhancing the socio-economic growth of the people in the region. By supporting young female aspirants and increasing awareness, we are enabling a supportive environment conducive to their personal and professional growth,” said N N Radia, Chairperson, GHCL Foundation.
GHCL Foundation is also working towards empowering the Siddi community. 34 Siddi youth, including 30 females, have joined skill enhancement courses. Through its efforts, the Foundation is paving the way for sustainable development. Uzalabanu Majgul from Madhupur village (Talala) now works as a GDA – Assistant Nurse at Well Care Hospital in Morbi, earning Rs 12,000 per month. Ujalbanu comes from the Sidi community and has 4 members in her family. Her father has small store selling seasonal produce. Ujalabanu shares, “The level of education in our society is very low. Today there is nothing without education & skill. GHCL Foundation not only guided me but created the perfect path for me. Now I prepare other girls like me from the society .”
Another resident of Talala, Faizan Ramjanbhai Majgul, works as an operator at Adani Solar in Kutch. He earns a monthly salary of Rs 18,000. Faizan’s father is a police man and has always dreamed to see his son successful. Faizan says, “Today I am working in reputed company like Adani & my dad is proud of me. I attribute this success to VTI Talala.”
