- Focused programmes in Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Amreli and Kutch boost learning outcomes, reduce dropouts, and expand livelihood opportunities
- Most parents in our target segment come from the labour class, where education is often not a top priority, so parenting is a key focus for GHCL: N.N. Radia, Chairman, GHCL Foundation.
- A standout initiative is Vidhya Jyot, which enhances pre-primary learning in Anganwadi centres
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, AUG 13
India’s leading Soda Ash manufacturer, GHCL, has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to inclusive and sustainable development through education-led CSR initiatives that have impacted over 76,000 students and youth across Gujarat.
“At GHCL, we believe that true development begins with empowering communities through education. Our work across Gujarat reflects a long-term, inclusive commitment. It ensures children learn continuously, parents remain engaged, and youth acquire skills that lead to dignity and livelihood. Most parents in our target segment come from the labour class, where education is often not a top priority, so parenting is a key focus for GHCL. We organise trainings and meetings in Anganwadis, schools, and communities, conduct home visits through trained facilitators, and offer parent counselling during VTI enrolments, which has also supported the placement process. These efforts are not just about statistics. They are about building resilient communities, nurturing potential, and creating opportunities that last for generations,” said N.N. Radia, Chairman, GHCL Foundation.
Driven by this vision, GHCL Foundation, the CSR arm of GHCL, has implemented multi-level educational programmes that span early learning, school reform, STEM education and livelihood-focused vocational training in the districts of Sutrapada (Gir Somnath), Mandvi (Kutch), Rajula (Amreli) and Bhavnagar.
A standout initiative is Vidhya Jyot, which enhances pre-primary learning in Anganwadi centres. It has reached over 4,050 children aged 3 to 6, supporting cognitive, motor, language and emotional development, while also training Anganwadi workers to deliver quality early education.
Complementing this is the Learning Enrichment Programme (LEP), aimed at improving Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) for primary and high school students. Since 2017, LEP has benefitted over 30,400 students, significantly contributing to reducing dropout rates, particularly among girls.
Much ahead of the launch of its upcoming Green Field Soda Ash plant at Bada village in Mandvi (Kutch), GHCL Foundation proactively initiated school support and skilling programmes for the local communities. These interventions have already reached over 22,000 students and youth, offering a blend of early childhood education, academic assistance, and vocational training to strengthen the region’s learning and livelihood ecosystem.
Two flagship programmes, Mojilo Shikshan and Vidhya Jyot, strengthen school education by introducing interactive teaching methods, smart classrooms and tuition support. These are supported by teacher training, parent engagement and school infrastructure development. GHCL’s STEM focus was also showcased through a recent taluka-level science fair in Mandvi, encouraging curiosity and innovation among more than 2,000 students.
To bridge the gap between education and employment, GHCL Foundation runs eight Vocational Training Institutes (VTIs) across Gujarat in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). These institutes offer industry-relevant, hands-on courses in areas like General Duty Assistant (GDA), Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Electrical Assistant and sewing machine operations. Over 5,000 youth have been trained and placed, with 65 percent being girls. This underscores GHCL’s commitment to women’s empowerment.
In Kutch, near the upcoming GHCL plant, the first batches of GDA and BPO courses have already seen 56 trainees placed, with growing enrollment from neighbouring communities.
“GHCL VTI believed in me and showed me the way. I’m deeply thankful for this transformation,” said Hetal, a VTI graduate.
“VTI gave me more than just a job. It gave my family hope,” shared Aarti, another beneficiary.
With its education-led CSR strategy at the core of community development, GHCL continues to empower Gujarat’s youth by building pathways to learning, livelihood and long-term resilience — laying the groundwork for impact that will endure for generations.
