CORPORATE INVESTOR IN EDUCATION

Investor: Cipla Foundation
Project: Skill Development & Rehabilitation Centre for Differently-Abled Youth
Location: Ropar, Punjab
Duration: 2017 - 2019

Ambuja Manovikas Kendra (AMK) was facing a challenge. On completion of schooling at AMK, young, differently-abled youth found themselves at a crossroads in life. There was a need to meaningfully engage these special needs adults in vocational activities that would help them become economically independent. However post schooling, these empowered adults were unable to obtain jobs - even self-employment was challenging - resulting in a loss of confidence and hope for the future.

To resolve this challenge, Ambuja Foundation and Cipla Foundation joined hands in 2017. Together, they established a full-fledged Skill Development and Rehabilitation Centre cum production unit that would train youth in different vocations, helping them become financially independent and productive members of society.

Ambuja Foundation and Cipla Foundation initiated the project with 15 trainees in the first year with three vocations - a Bakery Unit, Pottery Work and Artificial Jewellery; and over the next 3 years set a target to rehabilitate 50 trainees.

A visit to the Centre is uplifting. Small groups of passionate trainees go about diligently performing their tasks. While some can be seen cooking up a batch of homemade cookies, packaging them and preparing them for the market, some are looping colourful beads together to form a necklace, bracelet or earring, beaming with pride as they show you their finished product.

The Skill Development and Rehabilitation Centre aims to:

• Develop relevant vocational skills and competence among the intellectually and multiple disabled youth.
• Serve intellectually and multiple disabled youth, emphasizing school to career and other career readiness programs in partnership with parents, disabled-friendly industries and corporate houses.
• Build awareness about career and employment options for the intellectually and differently-abled individuals; and provide education, training and workplace experiences

In 2018 the first batch graduated from the centre. All the graduates have established their own small, home-based enterprises - independently creating products for sale.

The next batch of 15 students has already enrolled at the Skill Development Centre and training is in full swing. Together, Ambuja Foundation & Cipla Foundation are re-defining pathways for special needs adults,making them proud breadwinners for their families & enabling them to have an independent standing in the community.

IMPACT

• 15 Graduates
• 15 Home Enterprises launched