Ericsson has announced the launch of its global education initiative ‘Connect To Learn’ in India. Through this initiative, Ericsson implements information and communications technology (ICT) in schools facing lack of resources, to ensure access to quality education. The program provides an opportunity for school-going children as well as underprivileged youth to access learning resources that were previously unavailable to them.
As a part of the program, Ericsson in association with three leading non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in India – Plan International (India Chapter), Smile Foundation and Pratham Education Foundation has launched projects for periods of one to three years, that make a positive impact on the lives of underprivileged students and urban youth in different parts of the country.
In terms of creating employment opportunities for underprivileged youth, Ericsson has partnered with Smile Foundation to offer job-oriented skills and placement assistance in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Mumbai. This program will impart training in basic computers and retail sales management skills, along with proficiency in spoken and written English through 20 centres to be set in Delhi/NCR and Mumbai. The curriculum also includes sessions on personal development, career counselling and placement support.
Ericsson?s project with Plan India focuses on ensuring increased access to opportunities for self-development for 15,000 girls in the 15 – 25 age group. The company will establish 12 networked learning centres in Delhi as knowledge hubs for girls.
As a part of the third project, Ericsson will collaborate with Pratham Education Foundation to establish learning excellence program (LEP) in about 15 schools in the villages of Gurgaon. The LEP provides need based support to government schools by targeting children who lag behind in their learning levels.
Elaine Weidman-Grunewald, vice president of sustainability and corporate responsibility (CR), Ericsson said, “Connect To Learn has been successful in bringing the benefits of connectivity to students and schools worldwide. With more than 1 billion people in India, the potential to contribute to improved access to education is enormous. Through the formation of initiatives like Connect To Learn, we demonstrate that public-private partnerships are key to developing sustainable solutions that can make a major impact in education through technology.”
Chris Houghton, head of region, Ericsson India said, “ICT has immense potential to offer learning opportunities and also have positive impact on a country’s economic growth. With the three partners, we are creating a unique Connect To Learn ecosystem in India which will make a difference in the lives of thousands of underprivileged children and youth by creating an environment that is conducive to their overall growth and development.”
