The programme to be implemented across 1000 SSD department run schools under the Vedanta E-Shiksha@Schools programme
INDIACSR Bureau
BHUBANESWAR: Vedanta through its foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Odisha (S.T. & S.C. Development and Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department), to help 2,00,000 underprivileged children across 1000 government run upper primary & secondary schools under SSD Department in Odisha under the Vedanta E-Shiksha@Schools Programme.
The 1000 schools are spread across 30 Districts which include predominantly tribal districts like Rayagada, Kalahandi, Kolaput & Kandhamal.
The MoU was signed between Mr. Ravi Krishnan, CEO Vedanta Foundation and Mr. Sushil Kumar Popli, Director S.T. & S.C. Development and Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, Government of Odisha. The function was presided over by Mr. Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, S.T. & S.C. Development and Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department. Mr. Lalbihari Himarika, Hon. Minister S.T. & S.C. Development and Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, Government of Odisha was the Chief Guest.
Over 2,00,000 underprivileged students from 6th to 10th standard will benefit from this initiative that aims to make learning interesting & interactive through the use of Technology aided learning. The MoU allows Vedanta Foundation to help educate Odisha’s underprivileged as well as tribal children of communities like Kondh.
As per the MoU, Vedanta Foundation will provide hardware as well as software solutions like LED Pico Projectors with memory and battery backup and text book based educational software i.e. e-content based on course curriculum in local language (Odia). Training to teachers in the use of the material will also be conducted.
Speaking about the MOU, Mr. Ravi Krishnan, CEO Vedanta Foundation said, “Our Chairman has been a strong advocate of right to equal education opportunities for all students specially students who are studying in government schools across the country. Through Vedanta Foundation’s E-Shiksha programme we are working towards providing quality education tools to underprivileged students. We are very proud that this MOU will enable us to help enhance the quality of education for these 2,00,000 students across Odisha.”
Vedanta’s Sustainable Development Work
Through 167 formal partnerships with NGOs, government bodies, academic institutions and hospitals, Vedanta through its foundation has reached out to 3.1 million people in 550 villages. The group has invested more than INR 180 Crores in various programmes through 2010-11. 10 lakh students have benefited through its computer education programme. More than 22 lakh people are being provided healthcare through hospitals and rural health posts. 2.5 lakh children are provided healthy mid-day meals in schools in partnership with NGOs and Government. Self Help Groups are empowering women through socio-economic independence. More than 35,000 women are currently enrolled in about 2000 SHGs.
