Alstom launches community initiatives in Bihar

Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has launched three key initiatives to provide education, support skill development and improve awareness about healthcare practices, to local children, youth and women residing in and around Madhepura, Bihar. Effective July 2023, these projects are being executed in partnership with The American India Foundation Trust (AIF), SEEDS Impact and Learning Links Foundation (LLF). It is set to impact the lives of more than 3,300 women and youth from the rural communities across seven villages.

Commenting on Alstom's focus on impacting communities in Madhepura, Olivier Loison, Managing Director, Alstom India said, “Madhepura is India's eloco capital as it is home to our world-class electric locomotive manufacturing facility. We understand the community needs in not just Madhepura but the towns and villages surrounding it as well, given our consistent CSR contribution over the last few years. This year, our projects will further positively impact the lives of the people as we have initiated concerted efforts towards improving healthcare, education, and skill development. We are not only building a brighter future for the beneficiaries, but also laying the foundation for a stronger and more sustainable society.”

Through the partnership with the AIF, special efforts will be undertaken to impart menstrual hygiene practices to over 2,500 girls. This intervention will include sensitization and orientation of adolescent girls, distribution of reusable sanitary napkins and a lucky iron leaf, which is developed specifically to infuse iron while cooking meals. This will help in reducing cases of anemia while improving mental and physical capacity, thereby enhancing work and educational performance.

SEEDS Impact will impart industry endorsed vocational trainings to minimally educated youth on trades such as sewing machine operation, solar PV installation and electrician. This will be followed by formal certification and employment, thereby mainstreaming their career, and empowering them socially and economically. With a target of around 270 rural youth, SEEDS will aim to achieve employability offering to minimum 70% of certified youth.

STEM education, which is a curriculum that focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, has a huge potential in India. Alstom is working with LLF to implement STEAM Shakti program in government schools at Madhepura to benefit over 600 students. This project will promote an innovation mindset, scientific temperament and inculcate 21^st century life-skills for holistic development of rural students while building capabilities of teachers for integrating STEAM practices in pedagogical approaches.

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