Enabling veterans of Indian Army with employable skills; Enhancing learning experience at public schools
Bangalore, April 29, 2023: Learning Links Foundation commenced a social impact initiative in November 2022 through two unique projects, the Veteran Skilling Project, and the School Transformation Project. These projects are supported by Fiserv Inc. (NASDAQ: FISV), a leading global provider of payments and financial services technology solutions and delivered in partnership with United Way Mumbai.
The Veteran Skilling project aims to enhance employable skills of the veteran community and create new career opportunities for them. This project was delivered in close coordination with the Army Welfare Placement Organization and select military establishments. The School Transformation project supports infrastructural upgradation in three government schools, one each in Bengaluru, Chennai and Pune, with the help of respective state departments of education.
“At Fiserv we believe we can do well by doing good, which is why Corporate Citizenship is part of our larger strategy of creating shared value for all. We are committed to engaging with the communities where we live and work, and cultivating a diverse inclusive culture where everyone is recognized and supported. Our relationship with Learning Links Foundation is founded on our shared idea that education and skilling are the path to an empowered society. Together, we hope to deliver abilities and opportunities across an ever-widening scope of our society. Giving Back is an integral part of our culture at Fiserv, and we shall continue to do so in the most impactful ways we can “, says Lt. Col. Sachin Wakankar, SM (Retd), Director of Communication and Corporate Citizenship at Fiserv in India.
Veteran Skilling Project
80 veterans completed the Veteran Skilling Project at Army Service Corps Center (South), Bengaluru. These veterans received skill enhancement training aligned with their prior work experience, thus helping them secure re-employment post superannuation from active military service. Over 50 veterans were trained in ‘Electric Vehicle Business Management’, receiving hands-on training on retrofitting and maintenance of electric vehicles. Nearly 30 veterans were trained on ‘Tally’ software, equipping them for accounting assignments across corporates. These training programs have been customized to include 60 hours of training including classroom sessions, practical training, guest lectures and field visits. Programs such as these have helped several veterans secure employment and successfully pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
“These skilling programs have been very well received by our veterans and have motivated them to undertake start-ups and become entrepreneurs/self-employed with the help of acquired skills and knowledge. We thank Fiserv for the wonderful opportunity provided to our Veterans”, says Maj. Gen Ajay Singh, SC, SM (Retd.) Managing Director, Army Welfare Placement Organization (AWPO).
School Transformation Project
At the other end of the support spectrum the School Transformation Project addresses the principle infrastructural needs of primary and secondary schooling. Learning Links Foundation is working with public schools and state administration to transform existing government schools into innovative learning spaces. Designed to be a comprehensive solution, the project builds an effective learning environment promoting all-around growth for the studentship and encouraging working environment for the educators. The project brings upgraded infrastructure through experiential STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) laboratories, inviting libraries, improved sanitation facilities, safe drinking water, sports kits and an impressive school façade, benefitting over 1500 students and 30 teachers. The three schools identified for infrastructure enhancement are:
(i) GMPS Parangipalya, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka
(ii) Panchayat Union Primary School (PUPS), Nanmangalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
(iii) Sarthi Vidyalaya, Kharadi, Pune, Maharastra
![New Delhi [India], January 9: Visually impaired cricketer and captain of Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy on Tuesday was conferred with Prestigious Arjuna Award from the President of India at a specially organized function at Rashtrapati Bhavan. National Sports Awards are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports. Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games is given for good performance over a period of the previous three years and for showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline. Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy (Blind Cricket) is among the 26 sportspersons who were honoured with Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games 2023. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports last month had announced the National Sports Awards 2023. The nominated stars received their awards from the President of India. “I am overwhelmed with this recognition. I dedicate this award to my Parents and Family members for their support. I also would like to thank Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and all the players with whom I have played,” Ajay Reddy said in a statement. Congratulating Arjuna awardee Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, Chairman- Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) said “It is an honour and proud moment for all the blind cricketers across the world. It is the good recognition for the hard work and dedication in taking Cricket for the Blind to the next level through various achievements by the Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the blind under the leadership of Ajay Reddy. CABI is happy that cricket for the blind is getting the recognition with other major sports.” Following the Award ceremony, Illuri Ajay Reddy, the chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar and CABI secretary Shailender Yadav also met Indian pacer Mohammad Shami. Shami is also among the 26 sportspersons who were honoured with Arjuna Award on Tuesday. Illuri Ajay Reddy is currently working in SBI regional office in Bangalore. He is a B2 category player, who is representing India since 2010. He has been part of winning two ODI World Cups, 3 T20 world cups, 1 Asia Cup. Ajay is the captain of the Indian cricket team for the blind since 2016. Under his captaincy Team India has won 1 ODI world cup, 2 T20 world cups, 1 Asia Cup and the Silver Medal in IBSA World Games and many bilateral and triangular Series. Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) acknowledges the great support received from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports through this award. The continuous support and patronage received from the esteemed ministry has helped CABI to achieve this milestone.](https://thisweekindia.news/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Arjuna-Award-to-Ajay-Kumar-Reddy-Captain-of-Indian-Blind-Cricket-Team-thisweekindia.png)
