- Bhagya Shree
Bhagya Shree, a committed social worker, has made a remarkable contribution to education with the establishment of a free coaching center for students from 5th to 10th grade in the Korba block. She has not only elevated the literacy rate in her surrounding villages but also encouraged several young individuals to pursue education. BALCO’s Project Connect focuses on improving the learning environment in government schools for students in 9th – 12th standards by working on improving their grades through classroom learning, preparing teachers on pedagogical training, and offering career counseling services to students through its experienced employee volunteers.
- Indira Kanwar
Indira was unable to pursue higher studies after the 10th grade owing to financial constraints. However, with free 45 days of training in hotel management at the Vedanta Skill School (BALCO center), a one-of-its-kind institute that provides technical education and vocational training to local youth to make them employable and financially self-reliant, Indira got an opportunity to work at Hotel W Canyon, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Currently, Indira earns more than ₹22,000 per month and inspires others towards self-reliance. She has also improved the economic status of the family.
- Hemlata
Hemlata is a part of BALCO’s Project Nayi Kiran, which aims at demystifying menstrual myths and taboos, developing sustainable hygiene practices during menstruation, and raising awareness about product choices through Menstrual Health Management (MHM) capacity building to ensure safe reproductive health. The training under this project enabled her to gain skills for cloth pads stitching. Today, she not only raises awareness around menstruation among adolescent girls, but also trains them in cloth pad stitching.
- Padma Rathia
Padma Rathia, a resident of the Bhatgaon region in Korba, is a female farmer empowered under BALCO’s Project Mor Jal Mor Maati. This project focuses on supporting farmers through initiatives such as improving surface water management with existing resources, augmenting irrigation facilities, and promoting multi-cropping to reduce dependence on rainfall. Padma has made remarkable efforts in uniting and motivating women towards the cultivation of vegetation and peanuts in her region, which has significantly positioned her village as a leading producer for these crops in Korba district. Padma also encourages young female to cultivate vegetables.
- Vijay Lakshmi Sarathi
Vijay Laxmi Sarathi, a B.A. graduate from the Sangamnagar region of Korba District, took on the responsibility of her family, including her elderly mother, father, and son, after her divorce. Vijay Laxmi received training and resources to run the tiffin services through a nano-enterprise under BALCO’s Project Unnati. Currently, she earns a monthly income of ₹12,000 to ₹15,000, supporting her family. BALCO has established 7 microenterprise units with 12 products viz. Mural Art, Gonkra Folk Art, Clay Idols, Chattisa (local cuisine), Mushroom, and Paper bags, etc., under Project Unnati. The project supports 534 self-help groups impacting over 5700 women in communities.
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