2. Empowering
youth. Enabling
development
The Setting: The streets of South Mumbai. Full of eager, enterprising
and energetic youth. But sadly, they were unemployed. And with no
possibility of a decent job in the horizon. It was in such a landscape
that Shri. MIlind Deora became the MP of the constituency. In his
interactions at the grassroots level, he understood that the youth had
potential; but they lacked direction and access to opportunities. He
realized that providing employability to these youth would transform
their lives.
At this opportune juncture, he came across IndiaSkills. IndiaSkills, a
joint venture between Manipal Education, India‟s leading education
service provider with universities, colleges and 700 plus learning
centres and City & Guilds, world‟s leading vocational training body with
presence in 81 countries for over 130 years, offered the leader an ideal
solution. Not just offering world class training in high growth sectors,
they had a wide range of industry partners who could provide
employment too.
„Earlier, I used get money
The initial round of talks reflected significant synergies in the vision of from my parents for every
Shri.Milind Deora and the mission of IndiaSkills. Both parties were small need. Now I earn
completely in sync with the fact that the potential of Indian youth was enough for my own needs
and I give something to my
immense and providing employability will be the ideal way to harness
mother for the house. Thanks
this potential for development of the society and economy. They to IndiaSkills, I have reached
decided to work together to positively impact the youth of South here‟ – Mohammed Farzi,
Mumbai. IndiaSkills Learner
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3. Milind Deora Youth Employability Initiative
This partnership resulted in an initiative that will provide employment opportunities for youth in a
sustainable and repeatable manner. Called the „Milind Deora Youth Employability Initiative‟, it is an
ideal model for constituencies all over India to emulate. A model where all stakeholders brought with
them unique advantages towards successful delivery of the project.
IndiaSkills offered industry relevant courses and training methodology that helped a learner get all
required skills irrespective of his educational background. Their dedicated corporate team also ensured
that the successful learners had multiple job options across locations. Speakwell, one of Mumbai‟s
leading Spoken English chains, ensured quality training infrastructure and faculty. The final and critical
part of this value chain was supplemented by the efforts of Congress party workers. Their deep
understanding of each of the localities in South Mumbai, their enthusiasm and intent in helping this
social change happen and their strong presence at the grassroots level, all together ensured that the
most deserving youth and their families were reached out to, counseled and sent to the IndiaSkills
centres for training.
Sourcing -
Congress
Party
Workers &
IndiaSkills
Delivery -
IndiaSkills
& Content,
Speakwell Certification
& Placement
assistance
(IndiaSkills)
2
4. This engine of social change was made sustainable due to the help of Manipal Foundation & RSM
Foundation, social organizations that ensured that the world class, industry recognized program was
available to deserving youth at a highly subsidized price down from Rs 10000 to Rs 500.
This confluence of likeminded entities working towards social change has the aim to train and employ
1000 youth every year in South Mumbai. With three batches of youth trained and employed already, it
is promising to be a huge success in South Mumbai. Speaking at an event to award the certifications to
the first batch, Milind Deora said “Youth decide the future of our nation; in India the youth account for
over 34% of a growing populace within the age group of 15 to 25 years. Employability and employment
of this segment is India‟s biggest challenge currently. Hence it is very important that they are guided in
the right direction; keeping them away from anti-social activities. With this programme we have
attempted a unique model bringing together corporate, political party network, not-for-profit foundation
and passionate professionals to offer subsidized skill training cost and ensure gainful employment with
reputed companies post the training. IndiaSkills Program aims at offering employable education and a
chance for employment to as many youth as possible.”
Promotiona
l activity by Delivery Examinatio
congress Center, n&
party further Certificatio
workers, counseling, n by
Student Initial
information registration Indiaskills Placement
enquiry Training & Assistance
generated given by Delivery by
Party
workers Indiaskills
‟He helped us realize our dream of working with big brands like Reliance & Shoppers Stop. Now we
have a secure income and an education which will help us throughout our life.” said Abhishek Patil,
alumni of the training programme employed with Reliance Timeout. Shoppers Stop, Hamley’s
Reliance Digital, Vishal Megamart, Café Coffee Day are some of the other employers.
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