Twenty-year-old S. Dhanushiya was earning Rs. 1,500 a month by making jewellery out of beads. Come May 27, she will become a staff in the laundry section of Vivanta by Taj – Surya with a monthly income of Rs. 7,500.
It just took 70 days for this transformation to take place. She is among the nine who underwent the vocational training-cum-social transformation programme of SGBS Unnati Foundation at the ‘Unnati’ Centre here in Kavundampalayam. The passing out of the programme was held here on Saturday. And, at the end of the day, the ‘Unnatians’ did not only have passing out certificates, but also appointment orders from various sectors of the industry at salaries on a par with their classmate Dhanushiya.
The Centre, one among five of the Foundation, came to Coimbatore in March. It started off with a modest number, based on the motto “Learn, Earn, Stand Tall” that has been a success in other places, since 2003. The trainees are either school dropouts or those working for meagre salaries.
The Centre identifies candidates in the age group of 18 and 35 who are living below the poverty line and makes them undergo the intensive 70-day programme, completion of which will help them elevate the status of their families. This is because, all of them are ensured of well paying jobs at the end of the training.
Though the courses are based on different verticals such as retail, hospitality, and others, all candidates are taught common components such as computer knowledge, spoken English and life skills. Internships go hand in hand with the theory classes and the Centre sends its trainees to industries that have volunteered to be their internship partners. This ensures that there is a total transformation at the end of the training.
The first batch has found jobs in places such as Vivanta by Taj – Surya, Hotel Annapoorna, Polar Bear Ice Cream Zone, and Covai Property Centre.
R. Marudamuthu has been placed as a health care giver in ‘Santhosham’, a senior citizen home of Covai Property Centre. The 28-year old was in poorly paid jobs till he joined the training. Now he is a happy man, who can converse in English, confidently face the world, and take care of his family with a monthly salary of Rs. 8,000.
The Centre sustains its activities based on donations and hence offers the training free of cost to the trainees. As it is getting ready to admit its next batch of students, it is looking for people who can support the cause, become internship partners / placement partners, etc.
Interviews for the next batch commences on May 27. Those interested can contact 0422-2403822 / 97889-49822.
