World Youth Skills Day was instituted with the aim of equipping young generation with skills for employment, entrepreneurship and skill building. Celebrated on July 15, this year’s theme is ‘Youth Skills for Peace & Development’, which emphasises their role in overall societal development. Vedanta Sesa Goa has been at the forefront of youth empowerment, development and skilling. Through its key initiatives, it has helped transform the future of over 1,00,000 youngsters across states.
Vedanta Sesa Goa’s commitments also align with key global goals, particularly the ‘Skill India’ vision and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, SDG4 – ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Under the aegis of the Anil Agarwal Foundation, the brand has collaborated with esteemed knowledge providers such as National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Industrial Training Institutes etc. to ensure that the training programs are tailored to the evolving needs of the market and the aspirations of the youth.
At the heart of this endeavour lies the Sesa Technical School (STS), a CSR initiative established in 1994 on the reclaimed Sanquelim Iron Ore Mines. Aimed to equip local youth in Goa to successfully enter the workforce or embark on their entrepreneurial journeys. STS has achieved nearly 100% student placements since its inception.
Over the years, STS has provided upskilling and training opportunities to over 2,000 individuals and helped them get placed in various multinationals
Vedanta has a pronounced orientation towards women empowerment and runs specially curated courses exclusively for women aspiring for industrial roles at STS. It also provides scholarships across Goa to the women/ girls applying for ITI courses.
Similarly, a newly started skilling programme at STS, the Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA) course for women seeks to make women professionals in the field of computer applications and has benefitted over 80,000 students in more than 350 schools across states.
Project Unnati is another notable upskilling initiative by Vedanta Sesa Goa’s Iron Ore Karnataka division, aimed at empowering youth through placement-linked skill development training.
Recognizing the importance of sports in shaping well-rounded individuals, the Sesa Football Academy (SFA) has emerged as a cradle for local talent, propelling Goan players to the national stage. Vedanta Women’s League has become a beacon of empowerment, offering over 1,000 women a platform to chase their sporting aspirations. The emphasis on girls’ football at the grassroots level has led to the setting up of Girls Football Centres at Bicholim and Amona.
Vedanta Sesa Goa’s multi-faceted approach to youth empowerment, through educational initiatives, technical training, sports development, and community engagement, is transforming lives and shaping a brighter future for youth and contributing towards achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.
As we celebrate World Youth Skills Day, Vedanta Sesa Goa‘s initiatives resonate even more profoundly. The impact of their initiatives will be felt for generations to come, building a foundation for a thriving, skilled, and empowered youth community in Goa.