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
