Ambuja Cement Foundation Improves the Lives of Rural Youth in Chhattisgarh

Ambuja Cements Limited, as a socially responsible company, has always supported socioeconomic development initiatives in rural India. To further this vision, Ambuja Cement Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the organization has consistently focused on initiatives like Skill Development, health & sanitation, rural infrastructure and women empowerment.

Over the last few months, Ambuja Cement Foundation has empowered over 74,000 youth across the country through its 35 Skill and Entrepreneurship Training Institutes (SEDI) spread across 10 states. In the state of Chhattisgarh, where there is a significantly high focus, Ambuja Cement Foundation is helping educate youth thereby enabling them to secure jobs and sustain their livelihoods.

Some Examples:

Tulsi Sahu, a 22- year old belonging to an underprivileged family is one such beneficiary of this initiative. Coming from the rural region of Ksilora, Harban, Tulsi could not go for higher studies and instead chose a job that helped provide for his family. However post completing his course supported by the Ambuja Cement Foundation, Tulsi today works at Reliance Mall in Korba as a cashier. Not only has she been able to provide for her family, the training from SEDI has enabled improve her self-confidence.  

Manas Dubey is another example that showcases the success of this initiative. After discontinuation of his studies, he wanted to build his career in the hospitality sector and the training provided by SEDI has ensured that he not only has a successful career, he is also motivating others in his neighbourhood to empower themselves.

SEDI Initiative:

SEDI is a unique skilling initiative introduced by the Ambuja Cement Foundation that focuses on enhancing the employability of rural youth through intensive vocational training courses. It aims to provide sustainable livelihoods by strengthening earning capacity through training programs. The initiative provides employment and promotes entrepreneurship to help students start their own businesses and equip them with the necessary skills to thrive.

It also trains differently-abled people in courses like hospitality, AC and refrigerator repair, smartphone repair and BPO Call Centre Executive, and have provided them with placement opportunities, which has transformed their lives.

Neeraj Akhoury, MD & CEO, Ambuja Cements said, “At Ambuja Cements, we are committed to creating jobs and closing the skill gap not only in urban areas but also in rural India. This is a testimony to our ethos of contributing to our country’s Skill India initiative.”

Despite the enormous potential in rural India, thousands of youth migrate each day to cities in search of education, training, and employment and livelihood opportunities. ACF establishes training institutes across rural India that provide youth with a wide range of skilling opportunities.

Pearl Tiwari, Director and CEO, Ambuja Cement Foundation said, “Education & training are the most important components to create jobs for any economy. It is very important to bridge the skill gap and support the spirit of entrepreneurship not only in urban areas but also in rural areas, especially after COVID-19 when people are back to work. Through SEDI, we aim to motivate youth and equip them for both, jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, enabling job creation and economic progress. We wholeheartedly believe in contributing to the Government’s Skill India mission and look forward to many more milestones.”