CETA Galaxy Charitable Trust (CGCT) always believed in a comprehensive approach to support the educational needs of the students from weaker sections of society. In line with this and as part of HOPE CARES project, CGCT undertook a study of the educational needs of young adults (in the age group of 18 – 25) of the tribal and rural areas of Kerala who couldn’t complete their education due to various reasons. This study was conducted with the help of the school Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) as well as local governmental bodies. Several publications by governmental and voluntary agencies on the socio-economic status of the tribal youth as well as reports on the high rates of school dropouts were also considered for this study.
Based on the study, CGCT came up with a unique state of the art Skill Development Program targeted at young adults (Age group 18-25) of the rural/tribal areas of Kerala. The project was first implemented in Attappadi, a tribal area of Kerala’s Palakkad district. This was subsequently extended to Wayanad, which is another area that has predominantly tribal settlements.
ICICI Academy for skills Coimbatore was roped in as a strategic partner to execute the skill development programs for the needy and deserving students. Opened in 2013, this residential training centre, operated by ICICI Foundation (a CSR initiative of ICICI Bank) trains around 7500 youths per year in various technical skills. They have several knowledge partners who help in imparting the technical training to the students.
In phase one, CGCT and ICICI Academy agreed to provide the students from Attappadi skill development training on four areas; Two & Three wheeler repairing, Air conditioning & refrigeration, Centralised Air Conditioning and Pump & Motor repairs. The first batch of 28 students started their course in March 2017. The training program included technical skill development curriculum as well as personality development and soft skill improvements. After this seventy-two day residential program all the students who successfully completed the certification were given campus placements in their respective industries across South India.
CGCT has helped in identifying the deserving youth through the local bodies and school PTAs. The students were prepared to take up this course through one-day motivation session which gave them the required direction to aim bigger in their lives.
The training programs have been repeated several times over the last 2 years, catering to the needy youth of both Attappadi and Wayanad. As of May 2019, we have made a difference to nearly 300 such youth who in turn have contributed positively to change the socio-economic situations of their families as well of the society.
