Project: SMART
SMART Project of TMF
Objective:
The SMART project of TMF (Tech Mahindra Foundation) is designed to uplift and empower youths from vulnerable sections of society by providing domain-specific vocational training and facilitating employment opportunities. The project places a particular emphasis on enhancing the employability of disadvantaged youths, including those from single-mother families, households led by widows, and families experiencing economic hardship. SMART’s mission is to create pathways to financial independence and social mobility for youths living in urban slum areas, primarily in West Bengal.
Area of Operation:
The SMART project operates in West Bengal, with training centers located in key urban areas to ensure accessibility for underserved communities:
- Nabapally
- Dhakuriya
- Metropolitan
- Laketown
These centers are strategically located to cater to youths living in economically vulnerable situations, providing them with the skills and training needed to enter the job market.
Target Beneficiaries:
The project primarily targets youths aged 18-25 who face significant socio-economic challenges. Beneficiaries include: Individuals from single-mother or widow-led families, Youths from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, Families with children in vulnerable or at-risk situations
By focusing on these demographics, the project aims to break the cycle of poverty and create sustainable livelihoods for individuals who might otherwise struggle to access education or employment opportunities.
Training Programs Offered:
The SMART project offers vocational training across a diverse range of sectors that are in demand in the job market. These courses are designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience. The training programs include:
- Customer Relations and Sales (CRS):
This program focuses on developing communication, negotiation, and customer-handling skills, preparing youths for roles in customer service, retail, and sales.
- Logistics Management:
Equips participants with skills related to supply chain management, transportation, and inventory control, making them suitable for jobs in warehousing and logistics.
- Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES):
This course focuses on providing training in computer operations, data entry, and customer support, preparing candidates for roles in the IT and BPO sectors.
- General Duty Assistant (GDA):
A healthcare-focused program that trains individuals in providing basic patient care, medical assistance, and support in hospitals and clinics.
- Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI):
This course covers financial literacy, banking operations, and insurance products, helping candidates build careers in the banking and finance sectors.
Achievements (as of 2024):
The SMART project has made remarkable strides since its inception, completing 10 years of operation in partnership with RIT (Relevant Information Technology).
5,640 youths have successfully been trained across all programs. This accomplishment reflects the project’s sustained commitment to providing high-quality vocational training that meets industry standards and prepares participants for immediate job placement.
The project runs four skill development centers across Kolkata, with a particular focus on youths from urban slum areas. These centers serve as hubs of learning and opportunity, transforming the lives of participants by equipping them with skills that are crucial for gainful employment.
Long-Term Impact:
- Economic Empowerment: By providing vocational training, SMART helps youth become financially independent and secure stable employment. The skills they acquire allow them to support not only themselves but also their families, thereby uplifting entire households from economic distress.
- Social Mobility: The project fosters upward mobility by creating access to jobs that were previously out of reach for individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Community Development: As more individuals are trained and placed in jobs, the project contributes to the broader development of communities by improving income levels and overall quality of life in urban slum areas.
Future Goals:
- Expanding the range of vocational courses to cater to evolving industry needs.
- Increasing the number of beneficiaries by opening new centers in underserved areas.
- Strengthening partnerships with companies and industries to ensure consistent job placements for graduates.