Canon India has taken a significant step in its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts to
empower communities by opening two new Skill Centres in Kapashera, Delhi, and Andheri
East, Mumbai. This initiative aligns with the Skill India mission and underscores Canon
India's commitment to creating a positive impact in society through skill development.
The Skill Development & Livelihood Program targets youth aged 18-25 living in urban slums,
equipping them with essential life and employability skills to facilitate their placement in
customer-centric, grey-collar jobs, thereby paving the way for stable and meaningful
employment.
The program aims to reach over 2,500 individuals over five years, focusing on youth from
Below Poverty Line (BPL) backgrounds who are currently not engaged in education,
employment, or training (NEET). Participants will acquire vital skills in high-demand sectors
such as Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI), Retail, IT/ITeS, E-commerce,
and Quick Service Restaurants. This training is designed to enhance their employment
prospects with an average starting salary of INR 12,5001.
Commenting on the announcement, Toshiaki Nomura, President & CEO, Canon
India, said, ”India’s young population can contribute immensely to nation building and we at
Canon India are committed to nurturing this potential through necessary support and –
resources. ‘Empowerment’ is a critical pillar in our CSR policy, through which we have
already impacted thousands of lives in our Adopted Villages. The establishment of new skill
centres is a step towards providing market relevant skills and meaningful opportunities that
benefit the youth in building successful careers and contributing to the country’s economy.
This initiative is more than just training; it’s about instilling hope, confidence, and the ability
to dream bigger. This program represents Canon India’s broader mission to drive
sustainable development and empower individuals to achieve their fullest potential.”
Through a comprehensive 2.5-month training program, participants will engage in hands-on
group and individual activities covering key areas such as English language proficiency, IT
skills, and essential life skills. This training model promotes peer-to-peer learning and collaboration while boosting confidence, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for job
interviews and navigating the job market.
Giving details of the new initiative, C Sukumaran, Senior Director, Product &
Communication, Canon India, added, ”At Canon India, we are deeply committed to the
holistic and sustainable development of the community. Building on our impactful initiatives
in Education, Empowerment, Environment and Eye Care, we are proud to introduce a new
pillar in our CSR journey through skill centres that are aimed at empowering the burgeoning
youth of India. Canon India aims for 70% of the trained individuals to secure job placements
post-training, enhancing their employability in multiple sectors.” |
