21 Youth Empowerment Success Stories of Chandigarh, India

I n c l u s i v e G r o w t h S t o r y 21 Youth Empowerment Success Stories

of Chandigarh

A collaborative effort of SUPA, BTGT and other eco-system partners for inclusive growth

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be produced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or inclusion in any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of BTGT Education Foundation BTGT Education Foundation encourages dissemination of its work and will normally grant permission promptly.

Poverty Action Research Lab (PARL), BTGT Copyright © BTGT Education Foundation 2014

Designed By: Ripudaman Chopra, Team Bridging the Gap Together Bridging the Gap Together (BTGT) SCO: 10-11-12, Sahota Building, Sector 17–B, Chandigarh-160017 0172- 4011924 | 2721112 | 09999 002522 | [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Collaborative Intervention by

Eco-System Partners for Poverty Alleviation

BTGT – Bridging the Gap Together Mission Chandigarh

SUPA – State Urban Poverty Alleviation cell, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh

Under EST&P component of NULM – National Urban Livelihood Mission Formerly Swaran Jayanti Shahri Rojgar Yojana (SJSRY)

21 Youth Empowerment Success Stories of Chandigarh

AN INCLUSIVE GROWTH STORY

Youth Empowerment Success Stories

2

People are poor not because they do not have money but because they are not able to realize their human

potential.

Each individual has a potential.

EWS students are making lot of efforts to come out of poverty trap.

There is a need to co-create a framework, which acts as an enabler to unlock their potential.

Bridging the Gap together Mission has made a humble attempt and impacted around 1000+ students in last

4.5 Years.

Our Poverty Action Research Lab (PARL) has acted as a backbone to evolve Inclusive Growth Framework.

Competency, Experience and Education are three pillars of our Inclusive Growth Framework


3

We as a part of Bridging the Gap Together Mission have made a humble attempt to co-create an eco-system to facilitate BPL/EWS urban youth to break free from vicious trap of poverty.

The 21 case studies showcase how BPL/EWS urban youth have made efforts and leveraged the eco-system to come out of the poverty loop.

These youth are the brand ambassadors of the envisioned inclusive, strong and developed nation.

The summary of our interventions are provided at the end.

-Vivek Raheja,

PARL (Poverty Action Research Lab), Bridging the Gap Together Mission


4

BTGT has implemented the Inclusive Growth Framework in collaboration with SUPA and impacted 140+ EWS (Economically Weaker Section) / BPL students of Chandigarh.

The 21 case studies of BPL/EWS Youth Empowerment in this book are the outcomes of the current project with 140 students with SUPA Cell, MC Chandigarh under National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM)

State Urban Poverty Alleviation cell, is an independent structure within Municipal Corporation Chandigarh implementing National Urban Livelihood Mission and its components in Chandigarh in an innovative way with good governance.


5

Foreword

I congratulate BTGT for taking an exceptional task of compiling the work, along with 21 youth empowerment stories, undertaken in transforming the lives of urban poor under skill training component. It is indeed one of its kinds of initiative among all other skill training providers.

The youth empowerment stories, showcases the efforts involved in reaching to a number of successful case studies of the program. No doubt, these case studies will be a guiding force for the stakeholders who are working in livelihood sector including STPs, NGOs, and Government Institutions. I am very happy to see the way BTGT has worked on providing psycho-social support, sustainable handholding and progressive growth.

Converging and network linkage of skill training program with IGNOU and Financial Inclusion are the distinctive factors which has made BTGT as leading STP which has off course strengthened our skill development program for the urban poor.

Introducing teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Dr Abdul Kalam have also proved to be an effective method to work on ethics and value based education among marginalized and secluded community.

The kind of growth observed in the per-capita monthly income under the livelihood linkage program has ensured the way forward for this community to break the vicious cycle of poverty. I congratulate team of BTGT, State Urban Poverty Alleviation cell, Community development societies and their eco-system partners for their contribution in making the skill program a success.

- Vivek Trivedi, Social Development Officer,

State Urban Poverty Alleviation Cell, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh


6


7

Placement & Exposure • Placed for selling international brands of cosmetics and perfumes • She started at just `7500 /month • Average income is `13,000 to `14,000 /month after one year of

experience. • She has earned up to 30000/month in festive /peak seasons of

retail • Targeting for fixed income of `25,000 per month

Family • Paying for the studies of her siblings • Her younger sister has gone for National Taekwondo

Championship • Contributing in family savings

Career Direction • Jyoti emerged as an empowered youth as a part of this mission • She became a strong practitioner of taking initiatives and

teamwork • Career growth is one of her main learnings from BTGT. • She registered with IGNOU for BBA Retail for prospective career in

retail.

• Jyoti was an undergraduate in arts and 18 years of age • She had little awareness about career • Her father is road-side kiosk vendor and sole bread earner in the family of

six

“Every youth has potential. There is a need for a right kind of eco-system where the youth can unlock their potential and break the vicious cycle of poverty.”

-Vivek Raheja, Co-founder, BTGT Mission

21 Case Studies of the beneficiaries securely placed from last one year

Case Study 1: Jyoti

Life before

Life during training and after

“Career awareness, Self-confidence and inspiration to support my family is what I learnt from BTGT training”

- Jyoti

Jyoti at SHOPPER’S STOP, Elante Mall, Chandigarh


8

Placement & Exposure • She got selected in top brand of Jewellery Retail • She earned `6,399 as her 1st salary and had highest income of

`14,000 in March 2014 • After one year of experience, her basic salary is `8,000 and with

incentives and takes home an average of `11,000 per month Career Direction • Mrs. Sangeeta is now more confident and taking jewellery

retail as her career • She feels that her personal growth due to professional

exposure will boost her children’s career building Family • She is paying for four LIC policies of the family • She pays annual admission charges of both kids • She has made gold and then took loan on it to buy a taxi for

her Father-in-law • She wants to contribute in the renovation of her kuccha house

In beginning I had apprehensions about BTGT training being same as others, but to my surprise it was different. My personality developed more during training. It gave me a career, now I feel my life is growing

- Ms. Sangeeta

“In spite of social structural barriers, she is an epitome of gender equity and women empowerment.”

-Mrs Reena Raheja, Co-founder, BTGT Mission

Case Study 2: Sangeeta

• She is a graduate and was taking tutions to contribute to her family income and was earning around `5000 /month

• She has been a confident person • Living in Kuccha house with joint family of 6 including 2 kids • Was looking for a settled income source • She wanted her children to study in a good school • Wanted to support her family


Sangeeta working at TANISHQ showroom at Sector 17, Chandigarh

Life before


9

Placement & Exposure • Got selected in Pantaloon, the leading

apparels selling brand in India • First salary (with incentive) `8500 and now

after one year she’s taking an average of `9000 to `10000 / month

• Awarded as a ‘Star Employee of month’ twice

• Given the responsibility to train and manage three new staff members

• She was called upon in a Radio program for being an example of youth empowerment

Career Direction • Planning to complete higher education and

want to grow in the retail field • Aspiring to be DM – Display Manager with

salary package of `20,000 Family • She is contributing all her salary to her

family and saving for her studies as well • She is considered as a major contributor in

family earnings • She is considered as a role model in her

neighbourhood and girls of her age get motivated by her to take up the responsibility of family

“BTGT training gave me awareness and understanding of ’Taking Initiatives’ which in turn has changed my life so far. Technically I learnt about exceptional customer service”

- Asha

“She is an epitome of youth empowerment leading to strong and inclusive India.”

- Reena Raheja,

Case Study 3: Asha

Life before

• A 12th passed student with responsibility of contributing in a large family of nine members

• She had no career direction • She was also looking for an opportunity to support her family


Asha at Pantaloon outlet located in Elante Mall, Chandigarh


10

Placement & Exposure • There are steady changes in his attire, attitude, language and

behaviour • He got selected in TANISHQ jewellery retail store on basic

salary of `6500/month • He is working as a sales executive and became one of the

favourite employee of the store • Reached to the highest earnings of `15,000. for single month • Average income is above `10,000 & some extra income from

part-time DJ work is also coming Career Direction • His communication as well as customer service skills has

Improved a lot. • Now he is confident enough to be successful as a Retail Sales

Associate Family • Became a major bread earner for the family • Always helps family at the time of need

“Every youth has a potential. There is a need for right kind of eco-system where the youth can unlock their potential and break the vicious cycle of poverty.”

-Vivek Raheja

“I never thought a guy playing DJ in private parties will be able to provide elite class customer service to the elite citizens of the region, but it became possible all because of BTGT training”

- Charanjeet

Case Study 4: Charanjeet

Life before

• Charanjeet is high school pass and was doing seasonal DJ work • His father being a Motor Mechanic did not had a regular

income • His seasonal business never provided him settled income and

career • Communication skills were influenced by local slang


Charanjeet working in TANISHQ retail store Sector-17 Chandigarh


11

Placement & Exposure • Selected in her life’s first interview at Shopper’s Stop on `7,000 • And her first salary was more than `8000 with incentives • She never looked back, got two appraisals and reached to the basic

salary of `8500/month and average incentives are`3000/month Career Direction • Pursuing her graduation • She is preparing to appear in internal examination at Shopper’s Stop to

reach the next higher level Family • Contributed her whole salary for family

1. She contributed in construction of new rooms upstairs in her house 2. She bought some kitchen utility items; like Gas Stove, Refrigerator

etc 3. The level of living standard of the family is enhanced.

“I found warmth, respect and nurturing environment at BTGT training. I gained the confidence and developed my personality at BTGT training. Shopper’s Stop added to what I had from BTGT in last one year.”

- Pammu

“She is an example of our Inclusive growth story.”

-Reena Raheja

Case Study 5: Pammu

• Pammu is a daughter of a vegetable street hawker • She completed her 12th with lot of difficulties • She had a hard life, Living in one room accommodation with a large joint

family • Father’s earning was just sufficient for food and shelter • Pammu at the age of 18 was sensible enough to understand the need of

being employed

Life before


Pammu at Shopper’s Stop, Elante Mall, Chandigarh


12

Placement & Exposure: • Selected after two rounds in ‘Pantaloon’ and got his

taste portfolio of ‘Cashier’ • His initial salary was `7500 including incentives but

after one year his income is `9000 plus incentives • His another appraisal was done few days back and is

expecting the third raise in a single year

Career Direction: • Pursuing graduation • To be ‘Head Cashier’ and to take his earnings up to

`20000 per month is his next target

Family: • Contributes 60% -70% of his salary to his family • He contributed for his grandmother’s medical

treatment and funeral rites and feel proud of it

“Building competencies around demand driven trades is critical for inclusive growth”

–Ashwani Sharma Co-founder BTGT Mission

Case Study 6: Pankaj Jha

• Pankaj was a confident boy but was suspicious about the training quality of BTGT

• He was keen for higher studies and wanted to grow in life • After first day ,his response for BTGT was that “I think this is the right

place from where I can grow” • Financial constraints was the hindrance in his career direction and

growth

Life before

Life during and training after

Pankaj posing at his workplace: Pantaloon, Elante Mall,

Chandigarh

“BTGT training gave direction to my confidence and provided a path of growth. I am contributing towards the upliftment of my family status.”

- Pankaj


13

Placement & Exposure • Placed in Levi’s retail outlet at biggest shopping mall

of the region • Started at `8000 per month with nominal incentives • With persistency in performance and zeal to grow led

him to `17000 per month’s basic salary • His take home reached upto `30,000 for single month • He earned around `2.5 lacs in his first year of

employment Career Direction • Pursuing graduation through self financing • Planning to do MBA with Specialization in Retail • Want to pursue Retail career with BTGT’s guidance Family • Contributed approx `2 lacs for his family • Family is very happy that their ward at this age have a

settled career

“Ravinder showcases an early impact of our Inclusive Growth Framework model. We look forward to see him touch the peak, 50k per month in couple of years.”

- Vivek Raheja

Case Study 7: Ravinder Singh

• Ravinder, 20 was just 12th passed with little career direction • He was afraid of selling as a career • When Joined the course was not sure about the benefits

Life before


“After school, things were foggy for me, I never had clear idea what to do. BTGT training not only showed me the way but

groomed me and instilled confidence in me that I have it what needs to grow. I can say that every moment is good for

me now” - Ravinder

Ravinder at Levi’s outlet located in Elante Mall, Chandigarh


14

“Students are keen to experiment new upcoming organized service sector, rather than joining their father’s profession, like becoming a painter in this case.”

–Ashwani Sharma

Case Study 8: Mehfooz Alam

Placement & Exposure • Mehfooz was selected in Shopper’s Stop and got

interior decoration section • First salary should have been `7000 but took

home more than `8000 with incentives • His highest take home earnings touched `14000

in few months Career Direction • Thinking beyond just being graduate • Working on his language skills and improved a lot

in his IT skills • Aspiring to move to more high value Retail brand Family • His married elder sister expressed her

satisfaction and happiness that her younger brother is moving towards settlement in life

Life before

• He was Pursuing BA privately with known options of Data Entry operator or work in a shop

• Looking for an opportunity to get settled • He never wanted to pursue his father’s profession of painting


Mehfooz working at Shopper’s Stop as Cashier, he was into sales

before

“BTGT provided me the opportunity to choose Retail as a career and now I am sure that Retail has promising career growth for me”

- M. Alam


15

Placement & Exposure • She got selected in Shopper’s Stop at Elante

Mall • Took home her first salary of `7000 • she was consistent in her performance and

doubled the salary within few months which is of 14000/month (with incentive)

• Looking forward for another raise in the mid of this year

Career Direction: • Shahina is now more confident and Pursuing

her graduation • She is taking retail as her future career option

Family • She gives her whole salary to her family • She finds her family’s financial condition to be

stable with her contribution

“Girls from traditional families are also leveraging the low hanging fruits of the service economy and setting an example of women empowerment with modern outlook.”

–Reena Raheja,

Case Study 9: Shahina

Life before

• Shahina being a Muslim girl was facing social challenges • She was 12th Passed and 20 years of age • Had no idea of career choice • There was a need for economic support for the family • Shahina has a pleasant personality


Shahina posing at her section in Shopper’s Stop, Elante Mall, Chandigarh

“I have learnt a lot from BTGT Training, most importantly taking initiatives which are helping me to grow in life.”

- Shahina


16

Placement & Exposure • He is placed in India’s leading jewellery brand as ‘Cashier’ • First salary was `6,500, but with diligence and contributive

attitude he took highest salary of `12000 (with incentive) in his first year of employment

• Now after one year he will take home `10,000 to `11,000 • Plans to be a ‘Head Cashier’ which will take his earnings to

`15,000 to `20,000 Career Direction • Registered for BBA Retail from IGNOU • He foresee himself doing MBA after his graduation

Family • Able to contribute between`3000 to `5000/month to his

family • Now considered as another earning member of the family

“Employment and career focus makes our youth busy in constructive work, and thus helps them move out of bad company and addictions.”

-Vivek Raheja

Case Study 10: Din Bandhu

• He was 12th passed with no career awareness • Being a son of a carpenter was not able to pursue his higher

education • But he desperately wanted to go for higher studies • His dream was to support his father and elder brothers

Life before


Din Bandhu working in TANISHQ retail store Sector-17 Chandigarh

“I was dependent on my parents, BTGT Training empowered me to be self dependent and also able to support my parents, I feel I am on the right path”

- Din Bandhu


17

• Ashwani, 21 is 12th passed and diploma holder in IT • He is lively young lad residing in a rehabilitated Indira Colony of

Chandigarh • His family background restricted him to develop his personality • He was looking for a platform to get the right opportunity.

“Students have inherited good values, but they need role modelling and right perspective so that they can sustain the same.”

–Ashwani Sharma

Case Study 11: Ashwani

Placement & Exposure • He started with Pantaloon at `7000 and

reached at`8600 in a year as his basic salary • His incentives were average per month `1500

to `2000 • He shifted to SPLASH with a raise of 30% and is

getting `10000 salary and incentives

Career Direction • He is pursuing graduation • His interest in retail has grown with his

suggestions on visual merchandising which was implemented at Pantaloon

Family • Family’s outlook towards Ashwani have

changed a lot • He was considered as roamer and now a

serious contributor

Life before


Ashwani working at SPLASH, apparel store in Elante Mall, Chandigarh

“To serve and have empathy is what I always remember from BTGT training and practicing them have improved me and my professional life”

- Ashwani


18

Placement & Exposure • Seema got selected in Tanishq, a TATA group brand • Her first pay cheque was of only `6,500 + Incentive but

her consistent performance took her to take home `10,000 +incentive after few months

• Created a niche for herself at work place of professional retailers and got highest raise among all

• Her regular incentive lie between `4000 to `6000 per month, her take away is now `14000 to `16000 per month

Career Direction • She wants to grow in jewellery retail sector • Seema is looking forward towards a bright career for her

children Family • She bought gifts for her whole family from her first salary • She contributes all her salary at home • She is supporting even her sister-in-law’s kids education • Clubbing her and husband’s salary she was able to apply

for home loan

“Students need to learn that starting salary doesn’t matter what matters is growth with time which comes by hard work, learning and contributive attitude. Growth is inevitable by taking initiatives and learning attitude. She has got growth with this approach”

–Ashwani Sharma

Case Study 12: Seema Garg

• A house wife with one daughter, 33 of age and joint family to look upon ,Seema had lot of challenges to overcome

• Dependent on husband’s sole income and managing with limited funds

• She was looking for an opportunity to contribute in her family

Life before


“I have learnt from BTGT that we need to contribute by helping and supporting each other. This is helping in my job where I am growing very well”

- Seema

Mrs. Seema in working attire at TANISHQ, where she is Retail

Sales Associate


19

Placement & Exposure

• He was selected in TITAN brand as sales executive

• His initial salary was just `6,500 but in a year he touched near `8,500 and now he will get incentives as well

• He saved `20,000 in last six months

• He displayed patience and flexibility at work

Career Direction

• Motivated during training to ‘learn while you earn’, registered for 12th Examination

• He is confident of growing good in Retail sector and will continue his studies

“Ankit has been a keen learner. He started taking initiatives with this intervention and gained confidence. His story reflects confidence building as a critical outcome of this program.”

–Vivek Raheja

Case Study 13: Ankit

“This training has instilled a beam of confidence in me, I do not feel down even if someone objects me or offends me, I learn from it whereas, before I use to get angry and react. I am taking initiatives for myself which I learnt from BTGT”

- Ankit

• Ankit comes from an economically weaker family

• He was just 10th passed and not planned for higher education

• Father working as work force in a steel factory with limited income

Life before


Ankit working at TITAN, as CRO in Panchkula


20

Case Study 14: Anita Kashyap

Placement & Exposure • She was selected in Titan and celebrated her first anniversary of employment in June

2014 • Started at `6500 per month, she reached at `8000 by perseverance • She has shown flexibility as well as responsibility by being ready to be shifted to

locations where company needs her the most • She paid the down payment of her two-wheeler Career Direction • Pursuing graduation and paying for her studies • She feels Retail selling is the best career and she has many opportunities to grow Family • She is giving her whole salary at home. • She now finds her life on the path of growth • Now elders in the family seeks her advice on crucial matters of home

• 12th passed student with no career direction • Only daughter of cycle repair mechanic • With bleak chances or opportunities due the circumstances

Life before


Anita interacting with customer at Titan, Chandigarh

“I got hope of good life during BTGT training and now at TITAN it is turning into reality. I feel I am on the right path”

- Anita

“Career direction to the youth as a part of community development program is critical. Anita met BTGT and things changed. I am sure there are plenty of directionless students sitting at home.”

–Vivek Raheja


21

• Mahesh a 12th pass boy had no career direction

• No sustained family income, and was under pressure for immediate employment

Placement & Exposure • Mahesh was selected at Shopper’s Stop Elante Mall, Chandigarh • His initial salary was `7500 but take home averages to `9000 to `10000 with

incentive • He reached `8500 after a year now his take home is `12000

Career Direction • Registered to do Bachelor of Arts through distance education • He is excited to grow in retail sector and sure to get it after experience and

graduation Family • Mahesh is saving a major portion of his income • He inspires his younger brother who also took training with him.

“Mahesh after employment is an inspiration for his younger brother. Role modelling is the key for social change.”

–Reena Raheja

Case Study 15: Mahesh Shani

Life before


Mahesh posing at Shopper’s Stop, Elante Mall Chandigarh

“BTGT Training gave me direction, whereas I was just moving on in life. Family needed my seriousness and now my earnings has brought new ray of hope in everyone”

- Mahesh


22

“Jyoti had zeal and she made efforts to contribute. EWS youth makes efforts to grow; they just need right platform to unlock their potential”.

–Reena Raheja

Case Study 16: Jyoti

Placement & Exposure • She got her 1st job after few interviews at Shopper’s Stop • She got `8000 as her first salary with incentives • Her highest income was `15000 • Her average salary with incentive is `11000 • She contributed in buying a two-wheeler for her Career Direction • Pursuing graduation with her own money • Always remain excited to meet customers and feels empowered after placement

Family • In seven months of her job she managed to save `50000 • Contributed to her father for house renovation • Younger sister takes her as a role model, as Jyoti is earning and learning together

• She was appearing in 12th and was 20 years of age • She is daughter of a tailor • Jyoti was afraid to express when she met BTGT team • She was planning for her higher education through distance

education so that she could have time to look for employment

Life before


Jyoti, at Shopper’s Stop, Ellante Mall Chandigarh

“I feel empowered that I am supporting my family. BTGT Training taught me that I need to focus on career and not on job”

- Jyoti


23

“Daughter giving her complete salary to

mothers is a good sign on gender equity and strong family bond”.

–Reena Raheja

Case Study 17: Krishna

Placement & Exposure • Got her placement after numerous interviews in Shopper’s Stop at `6500 as basic salary • She started earning incentives from very first month and took home `7800 • Her highest income for single month touched `12000 within eight months of employment • With much awaited appraisal next month her basic salary will be `8000 plus incentive Career Direction • She took her higher education seriously after BTGT training • She has registered for graduation • She is looking forward to appear for internal examinations of Shopper’s Stop Family • She gives her whole salary to her mother • Now She is taken seriously by her parents and they show faith in her

• Residing in Indira Colony Krishna passed her 12th • Daughter of a cosmetics kiosk owner • In a family of five, Krishna at 21, needed to get employed as early

as possible • She had no idea about the world of work and its implications

Life before


Krishna, at Shopper’s Stop, Elante Mall Chandigarh

“I used to stay at home and was afraid to move out due to lack of confidence. And parents were not sure that outer world is safe for me. After BTGT training I am confident and know how to express. With Job my parents are also happy. BTGT taught me studies are important to grow”

-Krishna


24

Placement & Exposure • She was selected in her first round interview at Shopper’s Stop • Her initial salary was `6500 with additional incentives • She took highest income of `15000 in a single month • Her appraisal took her to the basic salary of `8000 with incentives Career Direction • She is pursuing graduation in arts and appeared for examination • She wants to make a good career in retail. Family • With her consistent income she contributed in renovation of her house • Family had conservative mindset for her employment but she changed the mindset

of parents and also encouraged her younger sister Dimple to join BTGT training, and she is also well placed in leading apparel brand.

“By seeing positive career growth outcome in Retail, Ms. Shikha ensured that her sister will join the same training in the next batch. And now her sister is also placed. We need the students to come forward and take benefit of these interventions.”

- Vivek Trivedi, Social Development Officer, SUPA cell,

Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh

Case Study 18: Shikha

• Shikha is a daughter of security guard and cleared her 12th from govt. school

• She and her elder sister were staying at home without any career direction

• She had the responsibility of house • She was looking for a quick employment

Life before


Shikha at her work place at Shopper’s Stop, Elante Mall Chandigarh

“BTGT Training provided me much needed confidence and trust on myself. With placement I got a platform to earn for my family. My hesitation is all gone as I am talking to customers who are total strangers to me”

-Shikha


25

Placement & Exposure • During training Muzahid counselled to join his father’s white wash business with

new and innovative mindset • He started working at basic income per month at `6000 to `8000 • He started his own small Dhaba in a motor market and earning average `15000

monthly.

Career Direction • Muzahid may not be studying himself but contributing for sibling’s further

education.

Family • Reluctant to join family work before, but now actively participating in developing

it. • Independent and taken seriously by family members • Found a way to break the vicious poverty trap

“Once students start taking initiative and explore opportunities, then self-employment is also a viable option for them. But more work has to be done by eco-system partners so that the EWS can access credit and avail right guidance for sustained growth.”

–Vivek Trivedi

Case Study 19: Muzahid

• Son of a painter living in rehabilitated colony in Chandigarh • Just cleared 12th and was sitting at home with no career path • His friend registered for BTGT training and that motivated

Muzahid to join • He was observed to be an introvert person.

Life before



26

Placement & Exposure • She got selected at Pantaloons • Her initial salary was `6500 plus incentive. • Her monthly average income touched `12,000 /month • She got raise of 19% in her basic salary and now her basic salary is `8300 with extra

incentives Career Direction • Retail career provided a good launching pad for her career • She is confident enough to grow for the growth of her career Family

• She is saving major part of her salary

“Every student wants career growth along with education. Early sign of good returns from Retail sector is motivating

–Ashwani Sharma

Case Study 20: Reema

• Reema is a daughter of white wash contractor living in rehabilitated colony in Chandigarh

• She is living in a rented accommodation • Reema was a graduate • Parents had conservative outlook towards her employment • Family was proud of her educational achievement

Life before


“I learnt Retail, English and computers at BTGT Training. When I came here at Pantaloon I knew one thing that is ‘Customer Relations and Good Customer service’ because I learnt it at BTGT. I understood that by taking initiative we can bring change in our lives.”

-Reema

Reema, confident working at Pantaloon, Elante Mall Chandigarh


27

Placement & Exposure • She joined Westside and remained there for 3 months • She joined at Rs 6500/month • She shifted to Shopper’s Stop with a hike of `1000 in her salary to get `7500/month • Her average salary is `9000/month after one year • Her highest income was Rs 14000 for a single month Career Direction • Professional world demanding environment and BTGT direction motivated her for

higher education • She bought her graduation registration forms Family

• She saves major part of her salary • She contributed for the renovation of house • Parents are now assured for her success

“Deepa is saving her complete salary, thus financial inclusion interventions has been impactful.”

–Vivek Trivedi

Case Study 21: Deepa

• Deepa was 20 and 12th Passed • Her father is a flower arrangement contractor • She had a large family to support • She was not confident to take up any career • Family had conservative outlook towards her employment

Life before


“I learnt a lot from BTGT: Retail, its scope, operations, customer communication etc. I became Independent

and came to know how to move forward in life, never cared about my

career. Sense of responsibility has

increased a lot after doing job”

-Deepa

Deepa, at Shopper’s Stop, Elante all Chandigarh


28

S u m m a r y : N e e d , I n t e r v e n t i o n s , & O u t c o m e s

We, envision a strong, developed and inclusive India. Poverty is one of the key barriers that obstructs realisation of this shared vision. The need is to understand the multi-dimensional problem and layers that make up poverty. Systematic need based interventions are critical to alleviate poverty and are much more effective rather than millions in aids and funding. This document shares the case study of how SUPA department, MC Chandigarh and BTGT (Bridging The Gap Together Mission) collaborated as eco-system partners to facilitate urban poor youth break free from vicious trap of poverty. The empirical outcomes of the interventions are promising, with right platform which worked as trigger for urban poor youth with additional support and guidance to self-create opportunities and privileges at par with relatively-elite urban youth.

The problem of poverty is multi-dimensional as: • Poverty constitutes many interlocked dimensions. • Bottom line is hunger – the lack of food. • Poverty has important psychological dimensions, such as powerlessness, voicelessness,

dependency, shame and humiliation. • Poor lack access to basic infrastructure. • Poor health and illness are dreaded almost everywhere as source of destitution and the social

fabric – poor people’s only insurance- is unravelling.

Poor people realize that education and skill training can offer definitive escape from poverty – but only if eco system in the society at large and the quality of education and skill training improves.

Need:

• There is a need to co-create an eco-system which facilitates sustainable growth of the poor. • The ecosystem needs to facilitate and strengthen the assets of the poor which includes:

i. Physical capital, including land and material belongings ii. Human capital, including health care, education, training, and labour power.

iii. Social Capital, which refers to the extent and nature of social networks such as kinship networks, neighbours, and associations.

Poverty alleviation and employment generational schemes play critical role in providing placement linked training and employment to urban poor youth and help them to break the poverty trap.

The SUPA cell, MC Chandigarh, an innovative and outcome oriented organisation empanelled BTGT and provided the podium to conduct placement linked training and placement under STEP UP component of SJSRY.

BTGT mission is not just to provide the placement to youth but to also give platform for growth so that they can accelerate their development on growth ladder of professional world with relevant skill training. BTGT with Research and Innovation as essential component of its DNA conducted the training on 160 EWS youth in two years with the zeal of a mission and tried to come up with sustainable solutions to alleviate poverty.


29

Gaps: Some gaps that we observed during the mobilisation, training and placement are as follows:

• Low self esteem, confidence and poor communication skills • No definite career direction • Impacted quality education, i.e. week backward linkage • Gender equity issues • And weak social capital • Skill gaps for technology driven changing market.

Interventions: Some key interventions required and practised to bridge the aforesaid gaps are:

• Focus on competency (skills, knowledge, ethics and attitude), experience and education as 3 key pillars for sustained career growth.

• Market research for the selection of demand driven trades • Competency based curriculum • Non-judgemental mindset and environment during classroom interventions • Personal and professional counselling through teachers as mentors. • Engaging pedagogy with use of technology. • Good infrastructure • Industry as key stakeholder for gathering information on competency required. • Promoting higher education with the tie ups of various organisation like Open

school, IGNOU etc • Promoting social capital build up through face book alias and planning for youth

empowerment centres in their localities. • Promoting financial inclusion (opening a bank account etc), sensitisation on

importance of saving in their future planning.

Research outcomes

• In 2012-13, BTGT conducted the Placement linked training in retail sector under STEP-UP component of SJSRY in collaboration with SUPA cell, MC Chandigarh for 80 candidates and successfully completed the programme with remarkable results. Impact evaluation was conducted on the sample of 48 (which is 60% of the whole population) students through random sampling method. Research categorised the sample into different categories as employed, employed but left the job, studying, not interested, interested but didn’t get the job.

• Likert scale was used on the designed questionnaire.

Quantitative research outcomes: placement and salary as key external indicators:

i. Economic Indicators:

1. The average monthly income of employed trainees increased from Rs 8073/- as starting average salary to Rs 10913/- after one year, leading to percentage average increase in income of 35.13% in the very first year of their work life.


30

2. In the research, it was found that highest initial income of an individual trainee was Rs.12,500/month and after one year current income of an individual for a month is Rs 17000/month, where as lowest initial income was Rs 5000/- and current level for the same is Rs.6000/month.

3. Some of the individual have earned up to Rs. 30,000 per month in the festive season. ii. Placement and Retention indicators:

1. The placement rate after the training was around 70% the sustained placement after

one year is 56% which dropped down from actual 70% the various reasons for the 19% attrition rate are covered in this report.

2. 14% out of the remaining 30% were pursuing their next level education so job at that time was not a priority. 15% were married women and were not able to take up jobs due to weak family support and motherhood related issues.

Qualitative research outcomes:

i. Social settings prevalent practices in their immediate environment and lack of awareness among parents condition an attitude in students which is a main area for concern. As the professional world has no tolerance for such attitude and related issues, so counselling of parents as well as students played a vital role and helped change the mindset during the programme but in some rather complex cases more interventions for longer period are required for sustained impact of the programme.

ii. Some students who were not ready to take up job earlier got inspired by their employed friends who are doing well in the corporate world and prepared for and bagged jobs through self exploratory techniques taught to them in classes.

iii. Motherhood related issues and weak family support is a very grave area of concern for married female candidates.

iv. The employed EWS trained candidates are contributing to their family and their overall family income, standard of living and happiness index is improving. They are turning an asset for the family.

v. On the other hand, Individualistic approach, non-contributive attitude towards society leads to weak social capital.

vi. In research, it was found that some beneficiaries weren’t able to write a single sentence in any language even after senior secondary level. As basic education is the foundation for strong skill building, in such a scenario strong skill building without strengthened education system cannot be promoted. Backward linkage needs to be strengthened foremost for modular employability programme to be impactful. Feedback needs to be given to relevant authorities in education system, regarding how these beneficiaries can contribute towards nation building.

vii. There is a need to strengthen linkages with parents so that they act as role models and help the children to inculcate right ethics and attitude.

viii. Efforts towards financial inclusion showed very positive outcomes as 75% of the sample has bank accounts now and 70% in employed categories are saving for their future. They became aware of importance of planning for future.


31

ix. 75% of the sample is pursuing their next level education as a consequence of our awareness session on importance of higher education. The sessions of financial inclusion and higher education were conducted by the guidance and cooperation of SUPA cell.

This is a proof of concept of effective ground level execution based on strong inclusive growth model. This systematic approach with sincere commitment by the stakeholders and eco-system partners are critical to provide the required platform in order to alleviate poverty which in turn contributes towards making strong, developed and inclusive individual, society and country.

Our Eco-system partners contributing as key enablers for youth empowerment and inclusive growth:

Sharing youth empowerment success stories at Jyotirgmaya 91.2 FM community radio of Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Key media enablers for the inclusive growth story of Chandigarh

Printed in India BTGT0814-21SS

Bridging the Gap Together (BTGT) SCO: 10-11-12, Sahota Building, Sector 17 – B, Chandigarh-160017 0172- 4011924 | 2721112 | 09999 002522 | [email protected]

Co-creating a Platform for Unlocking the Potential

mailto:[email protected]

21 Youth Empowerment Success Stories of Chandigarh, India

Documents

Transcript of 21 Youth Empowerment Success Stories of Chandigarh, India