Lives Touched
2015 - 2020
Kolkata & Surrounding Areas, West Bengal
The Story
India has one of the youngest populations in an ageing world. 62.5% of its population in the age group of 15-59 years which is ever increasing and will be at the peak around 2036 when it will reach approximately 65% . The resultant being a sizeable young labour force with a lack of appropriate skill sets to face the 21-st century market challenges. Hijli INSPIRATION entered this space intending to capacitate youth with skills in tandem with the emerging and ever-evolving market requirements.
In partnership with Smile Foundation in the Smile Twin E-learning Programme (STeP) which aimed at training youth aged 18-30 years from socio-economically underprivileged families, to align them with the skilled manpower needs in the fast emerging services and retail sectors of modern India.
The USP of the Programme was “NOT JUST TRAINING BUT ASSURED EMPLOYMENT LINE-UP” through improved and apposite English Proficiency, Basic Computer Education and Soft Skills as finishing traits, preceded by market assessment and service sector linkages.
The Sections we catered to
- Youth with no-job or menial jobs entered the formal job market with opportunities for upward mobility
- Upward trend in income and ensuing lifestyle
- 55% of the trained candidates are women implying a shift towards socio-economic development
- Women Empowerment
Impact
Socio-Economic Background of Youth Families
Post - Training Employment : Industry wise Break-Up
Champions of Change
“Liasion with HOPE to build more hope”
Radha Mondal, aged 20 was barely 10 years old when she lost her father. Her mother found herself widowed with 4 children and took up the job of an ayah to fend for her family. Under the circumstances and bereft of any extended family support, Radha’s mother was forced to seek help from HOPE homes for all her children – and it was in one of the HOPE homes that Radha grew up. She completed her plus 2 examinations in April 2018, successfully.
She would have to leave HOPE soon. It was at this point that she was introduced to STeP. According to her own opinion, her training at STeP has taught her the importance of interpersonal relationship and the necessity of communication to perform better. Radha continued her training at STeP believing that she would be able to create her own identity if she imbibed attributes like confidence and perseverance.
Radha bagged a job with KFC outlet at Gariahat. She has been drawing a salary of over Rs 8000/- per month for close to two years now. Radha works with predominantly deaf and dumb colleagues. The application of Body Language to communicate at work, pleasing customers and getting satisfactory feedback is something that Radha enjoys. Her greatest dividend is the smile that she receives from her mother when she hands over the monthly room rent after she receives her salary. She has taken up the responsibility of bearing the rent and paying for private tuitions that her younger brother needs. Working and learning in challenging environments, utilizing her skills and knowledge will bring out the best of her abilities and contribute positively to her personal growth as well as growth of the Organization.
“Education is the most Powerful Weapon”
Antara Sinha, aged 24 years lives in a nuclear family comprising 4 members. Although her father earns Rs 10,000/- a month – it is still too little to fend for a family of 4 (he is the sole breadwinner of the family). Even amidst such untoward circumstances, Antara as greatly encouraged to join STeP by her family. Some members of the extended family tried to discourage her, but she stood firmly against their misconceptions and enrolled herself in the Program.
Antara says : “I discovered myself at STeP”
At STeP she slowly overcame her distress and learnt to take crises in her stride. She focused on cracking interviews.
Philomel School absorbed Antara as an English teacher. She enjoys interacting with students and says that at STeP she has been trained to perform under pressure and handle crises with ease. She is quick on the keyboard too for maintaining administrative details and other similar tasks. She is happy to apply her Spoken English skills at her workplace. She aspires to be a role model and a better teacher in the years to come. Right now she is content to concentrate on learning her job herself.
“Reaching for the Sky and touching it too!”
21 Year old Arijit Das originally lived with both his parents. Unfortunately, the untimely passing away of his father left his young widowed mother alone with her young son. Thereafter, Arijit lived with his mother who worked an office assistant. She sustained themselves on a monthly salary of Rs 8000/-
Arijit says : “STeP teaches to believe in your dreams ”
Here is his story : Arijit appeared and cracked his interview with WEBEL in August 2019. He started working in October, 2019 as Level 1 Technical Support, Customer Service and drew 10,000/- as a monthly salary. However, an additional 1000/- for punctuality and attendance and some more as an incentive has so far, fetched him more close to Rs 12000/- a month. Just recently in September 2020, Arijit has been promoted to Level 3 Technical Support, Customer Base – which is the top grade in that category! With more power comes more responsibility – and a proportional increase in salary too – so today Arijit draws Rs 16500/- a month which is not a bad jump in just a span of one year.