building lives, may 2015 1 - dlf foundation building lives, may 2015 ... forwarded to the selection...

1Building Lives, May 2015

2 Building Lives, May 2015

EDITORIAL

From the Editor’s Desk...

The recent awards and accolades that we received encouraged us tremendously and appreciates the handwork put in by all our stakeholders. The latest of the awards in our basket was the

Global CSR Excellence & Leadership Award 2015 for Best Corporate Social Responsibility Practices awarded by the ABP News. Further, the Foundation was honored with the 4th Annual Greentech CSR Award-2014 for exemplary contribution towards inclusive growth by Green Tech.

We see all this as an opportunity to strive to reach even greater goals. Accordingly, we have stepped up our efforts in building lives of the marginalised, be it nurturing talent, building model villages through empowering communities, skilling youth, eradicating hunger, educating the marginalized or our new programmes like Swachh Haryana.

Our Nurturing Talent Programme held the Annual Scholars’ Conclave 2015 in March to honour young achievers and recognize our partners. Over 800 DLF scholars, their parents and other stakeholders participated and gala cultural events were held.

Collaborating with Plan International for the Integrated School Development Programme, the Foundation initiated the project to upgrade six schools in Delhi and Haryana as model schools for excellence in five years’ time. This initiative has been kicked off during the last month.

Besides this, cancer screening camps, book festival, sarvajal water units and new skill development centres in BPO training were also initiated.

As the new fiscal year dawns, DLF Foundation reaffirms its commitment towards the above objectives and rededicates itself to continue working towards building India’s human and social capital.

Adios, until the next kitty!

ContentsNURTURING TALENT PROGRAMMEYoung Achievers Steal the Show at the Annual Scholar’s Conclave.............................3

90 Scholarships Awarded Under Professional Scholarship Programme............6

CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMECancer Awareness Camps Organized for Rural and Urban Women in Gurgaon.............7

Need Safe Drinking Water? Try Sarvajal Water Units, Says DLF Foundation.................8

Model School for Excellence to Bring About Lasting Changes ............................................8

SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMEDLF Foundation, RuralShores Get Rural Youth BPO-ready.................................................... 9

Two New Skill Development Centres in BPO Training Set up ..............................................10

OTHER INITIATIVES

Give Your Dreams a Space Shuttle! .............11

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

DLF Foundation Awarded ABP News Global CSR Award 2015 .........................................12

DLF Foundation Bags Greentech CSR Award

DLF Foundation was honored with the 4th Annual Greentech CSR Award under the Gold Category for its exemplary contribution towards inclusive growth by Greentech Foundation. Greentech is a non-profit committed to recognize outstanding performance in CSR issues.

The award was conferred in association with the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs and the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The award was presented by Shri Asok Mohan Chakrabarti, IAS (Retd.), Former Chief Secretary, West Bengal.The award further encourages and motivates corporates to adopt best practices and become role models for others to emulate.Lt Gen Rajender Singh (Retd), CEO, DLF Foundation, said, “Receiving the 4th Annual Greentech CSR Award under the Gold Category has deepened our commitment for making India a better place for every citizen. It is lovely to be acknowledged for all the hard work and a true source of motivation for going forth. “Other dignitaries present during the ceremony were Shri Sripad Yasso Naik, Union Minister of State for Family & Health Welfare, and Dr Bhaskar Chatterjee, IAS (Retd.), DG & CEO, Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs. DLF Foundation conferred with Greentech CSR Award


NURTURING TALENTPROGRAMME

Young Achievers Steal the Show at the Annual Scholar’s Conclave

The Conclave celebrated the achievements of its students and included

scholars/faculty/mentors narrating their educational progress and varied experiences.

The programme began with Chief Guest Dr Leena Srivastava, Acting Director General - TERI and Vice- Chancellor - TERI University, and the Guest of Honor Air Marshal Denzil Kellor, CEO Special Olympics, India lighting the ceremonial lamp accompanied by Lt. Gen. Rajender Singh (Retd.), CEO, DLF Foundation, and Mr. Sanjay Baxla, Senior Vice President Human Resources, DLF, on the dais.

Dr Srivastava exhorted the remarkable efforts of the scholars, and appreciated the DLF Foundation’s efforts towards uplifting and educating the underprivileged children. While stating that quality education is the biggest challenge that the children of rural areas in India face today, Dr Srivastava urged the children to become leaders of tomorrow and find solutions to the challenges that our country is facing. “I wish that you all will show your skill set to the world, find solutions to the challenges that our country is facing and prove to be the best leaders.”

The DLF Foundation’s Nurturing Talent Programme held its Annual Scholar’s Conclave 2015 at the Air Force Auditorium on 24 March, rewarding high achievers for their

scholarly endeavours.

Chief Guest and Guest of Honor lighting the lamp

Chief Guest Dr. Leena Srivastava, Vice- Chancellor - TERI University addressing the gathering

Guest of Honor Air Marshal Denzil Kellor, addressing the gathering

High achievers awarded and recognized



DLF Sahyog Volunteer Ms. Nidhi Passi being awarded with Commendation

HighlightsOver 800 DLF scholars, • their parents, school principals, DLF employee volunteers, institutional partners, and the media participated.

Scholars from Florence • School, Urban Scholars School, Drona School, Jhankar School and St. Paul’s School participated in the event.

Ceremonial lighting of • the lamp by Chief Guest and Guest of Honour.

Special address by • Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and CEO, DLF Foundation.

Over 14 high achievers • awarded and recognized; awards also given to best partner school, best teachers, DLF Employee Mentors and resource persons.

Young achievers shared • their scholarly journey with DLF Foundation.

Enthralling cultural • performances by young scholars showcased their astounding creative talents.

Event concluded with • a vote of thanks and a rendition of the National Anthem.

DLF Scholar Pooja Rani honoured with ‘Scholar of the Year Award’

DLF Scholar Heena Rai honoured with ‘Scholar of the Year Award’

Mesmeresing performances by the students...



DLF Scholar Vipin shares his experience...

Students at the Annual Scholar Conclave

About Nurturing Talent Programme

The Nurturing Talent Programme launched in 2011 as one of the flagship initiatives by the DLF Foundation, is not a mere scholarship programme that doles out money but a unique talent nurturing programme for children from the weaker sections of society. It adopts a unique methodology - Pick up poor talented children from rural and urban villages and groom them to become leaders of tomorrow in various professions. It follows right through from entry at Class VI till they succeed in a selected professional career. After charting out an individualized scholar development plan, educators, career experts, professional social workers, counselors, company employees and youth workers channelize their knowledge, skills, assets and networks to foster the talents of the scholars.

Lt. Gen. Rajender Singh, CEO DLF Foundation addressing the audience...



DLF Foundation has instituted the professional scholarship programme with the aim of nurturing talents of meritorious and

underprivileged students in disciplines such as engineering, medicine (MBBS), management studies (MBA), information technology (IT), fine arts, and sports. Over 90 scholarships were awarded in the month of March 2015.

DLF Foundation first approaches Professional Institutes for extending support to its meritorious students. They come to an agreement and then the Institute nominates students in respective courses per year based on merit and income criteria. The selection process comprises of multi level screening that involves the initial screening by the DLF Foundation Team- applications are evaluated based on merit and total family income of each

90 Scholarships Awarded Under Professional Scholarship Programme

scholar, then the shortlisted applications are forwarded to the selection panel comprising of 6 members. Subsequently, a rating sheet is prepared giving the results of each scholar for the review of the Director and then the CEO, DLF Foundation. After due scrutiny, scholars are selected. To arrive at the scholarship amount due to each ward, they are asked to submit their reimbursement claims along with the receipts of payments. Having evaluated the reimbursement claims, DLF Foundation Nurturing Talent Team prepares the actual scholarship amount disbursable to each scholar based on the policy guidelines. This is how DLF Raghvendra Scholarship Selection Committee, set up by the Trust, makes the final selection of DLF Raghvendra Professional Scholars, every year.

Scholar Selection Committee meeting in progress

DLF Foundation has instituted the professional scholarship programme with the aim of nurturing talents of meritorious and underprivileged students in disciplines such as engineering, medicine (MBBS), management studies (MBA), information technology (IT), fine arts, and sports.


CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

On World Cancer Day, 4 February, DLF Foundation held a Cancer Awareness Camp in the Primary Health Centre (PHC), in Hayatpur

in Gurgaon. A public awareness/advocacy programme was conducted to inform about 80 women of various aspects of cancer. They were sensitized about the prevalence of four different types of cancer, namely, endometrial, ovarian, cervical and breast cancers, prevalent among Indian women. The risk factors, symptoms associated with each of the cancers and the importance of early screening and timely treatment were also discussed.

Thirty women were screened for cervical and breast cancers at the campsite. Women who were observed having abnormalities were recommended

Ultrasound, Pap-Smear, Mammography, etc. for further diagnosis. Medicines for alleviation were also prescribed.

Demonstrations were given to train them on how to conduct self breast examination so as to prepare them to take precautionary measures themselves in time. The camp sensitised women sufficiently enough to go back to their communities and spread awareness about cancer among other women.

Cancer Awareness Camps Organized for Rural and Urban Women in Gurgaon

Also, realising the need of such screening among urban populations DLF Foundation celebrated International Women’s Day by conducting another awareness cum screening event at DLF Cyber Hub especially for the working women on 17th March 2015. Twenty students from a reputed college, Institute of Technology and Management, volunteered for the cause at the camp.

Gynaecologists conducted the screenings in an enclosed area that was equipped with the required apparatus. Leaflets informing women about the cancers and instructions on how to perform breast self-examination were distributed throughout DLF cyber city. More than 80 women were screened at the camp. The women came out satisfied with the

whole process as the doctors were thorough and made patients comfortable.

“For working women, it is a very good initiative by the DLF Foundation. Not only was I screened but was also informed about its prevention and the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment. I look forward to such events in the future,” said a woman, who was screened at the camp.

CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

To provide immediate medical solutions to poor people in the rural areas , the DLF Foundation’s Village Cluster Development Programme opened Primary Health Centres in targeted villages five years ago. The rationale behind opening primary health care centres was that poor are not provided healthcare at the primary level. The initiative received phenomenal response with thousands of people visiting the centres every month. The centres are open six days a week and with growing demand for healthcare, “laboratory in a suitcase” model has also been introduced that can conduct more than 24 essential diagnostic tests. Multi-specialty camps are also organised quarterly at the two clusters, comprising of ten villages.

Cancer Awareness Camp in progress...


CLUSTER DEVELOPMENTPROGRAMME

Need Safe Drinking Water? Try Sarvajal Water Units, Says DLF Foundation

Model School for Excellence to Bring About Lasting Changes

Education is the key to development, and is the foundation for a country’s sustainable growth in its economic, social and environmental dimensions. In recognition of the importance of universal education, the DLF Foundation promotes education among underprivileged children through its Cluster Development Programme.

One such initiative in association with Plan International is the Integrated School Development Programme. With a time line of five years, the Foundation endeavours to upgrade six schools in Delhi and Haryana as model schools for excellence. The focus of the programme will be on introducing technology aided learning, developing teachers’ skills, enhancing laboratory and library facilities, and establishing a child-friendly and fear-free learning environment.

To facilitate leadership qualities, students’ clubs will be strengthened and capacity building processes on their role and responsibilities will be set off. Interschool quarterly quiz, science melas, essay and sports competitions will be organized.

Separate vision documents for each school have been prepared. The programme intervention in a government high school in Karampura in Delhi has already begun on a successful note.

DLF Foundation is working on promoting preventive healthcare in India and believes good sanitation practices are a

way to prevent diseases. The Foundation, while doing an extensive baseline survey, observed contamination of drinking water sources with sewage caused diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera. In India, nearly half-a-million children die every year from preventable water-borne diseases. Low-income families spend almost half of their annual wages in treating such illnesses. Lack of clean water is also detrimental for gender mainstreaming as women and girls waste 700 hours annually, on an average, to fill and carry water to their homes.

To make potable drinking water accessible to villagers, the Foundation is in the process of installing purified water units in cluster villages. At the units, water is available at a rate of 30p per litre. Option for home delivery is also available at the cost of 50p per litre. Recently, a water unit was inaugurated in the villages of Hasanpur and Kakrola in Gurgaon. Installation of water units in two more villages is underway. With approval from local governments, this model could be replicated across villages.

Sarvajal Water unit launched

The purified water units...

Model School Development Programme inaugurated for the underprivileged


Two New Skill Development Centres in BPO Training Set up

Youth working in BPOs

SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

The DLF Foundation for expanding the Skills Programme has partnered with RuralShores Academy to help tap the talent and markets

of rural India, and in the process, mainstream rural youth to ensure their employment in demand driven trade. The partnership is focused on providing underprivileged youth with Life Skills & training necessary for sustainable employment. Rural Shores provides specialized training to develop professional skills amongst the rural youth enabling them to gainfully employ in sectors such as Banking and Financial Services, Insurance, Retail, IT/ITES and Telecom.


Under the partnership, two new skill development centres in Andhra Pradesh have been set up. The new centres will conduct BPO call centre training of two months duration for rural youth.

The training programme will be flexible to local context, regional language, and local employment needs. The trained youth from rural areas are likely to be absorbed by partners such as Accenture, Infosys, Wipro and TCS.

Students undergoing training at DLF Rural Shores Training Centre

Till a few months ago 20 year-old Mr. Devender B was toiling in the fields as a farm labourer but his life underwent a dramatic transformation

when DLF Foundation’s training programme for rural youth landed him a job. But not just any job! In his non-descript village of Andhra Pradesh, he has a white collar job at a call centre.

“The training comprises of two months of foundation training in reading and writing English, computer skills and soft skills and process training. Almost 80 to 90 percent of the trainees are provided gainful employment. The remaining 10 to 20 percent are given extended training till they acquire the requisite skills.

“Not only are we being trained at our door steps, but also provided with jobs. The rural BPO creates an ecosystem where locals grow and build careers. The DLF Foundation and RuralShores has given me a great opportunity to get ready for a change in my life,” said 21year old Mr. Veernarayana P. while adding that the free of cost training programme had given him a firm foundation so that he could still meet his educational goals which had been put on hold for so long due to lack of resources.

After the successful completion of training, new recruits like Devender B and Veernarayana P are ready to work on projects in about two months and earn anything between Rs 6000 and Rs 8000.

The initiative is focused on providing underprivileged youth with sophisticated employability solutions and sustainable employment opportunities in sectors such as Banking and Financial Services, Insurance, Retail, IT/ITES and Telecom.

To impart quality training, refresher training for experienced members and trainers is held regularly. Focus is on professional and business enablement skills – leading to employability across multiple industries. The training programme is flexible to local contexts, regional language, and local employment needs.

DLF Foundation, RuralShores Get Rural Youth BPO-ready

Devender BVeernaryana P

The credit for this transformation goes to DLF Foundation’s newly formed partnership with RuralShores Skills Academy Private Ltd, a pioneer in rural Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) that has generated employment in economically backward sections of rural India by training rural youth who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“The training has helped me connect with technology, find confidence and gainful employment,” said Mr. Devender B, who has been working at the RuralShores’ BPO in Andhra Pradesh for the last two months.

Spread across ten states, 45 percent are women employees working at the centres.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME


OTHER INITIATIVES

NASA was the buzz word among students

of Ridge Valley School on 9 February as Ms Heather Paul, an engineer for the last 19 years at the Johnson Space Centre (NASA), visited the school. Students and teachers gave the engineer a warm welcome.

Ms Paul is the lead engineer for the future spacesuit life support system design that will circulate oxygen for breathing and space suit pressurization, and control carbon dioxide and humidity levels. Ms. Paul shared her experiences at NASA and gave insights about Space Physiology i.e. functioning human body in the outer space, which is an essential component of space suit designing.

Students were fascinated with the videos and images taken by astronauts during their training as well as on missions to the moon and Mars, and asked varied questions ranging from existence of black holes to the next space programme in line.

Ms Heather Paul from NASA at Ridge Velley School

Give Your Dreams a Space Shuttle!

About Ridge Valley SchoolRidge Valley School, promoted by DLF QEC Educational Charitable Trust, is one of the best senior secondary schools in Gurgaon that celebrates the exuberance of childhood and nurtures it with great care. Individual attention enables every child to develop holistically across all spheres — be it cerebral, social, emotional, spiritual, or physical development.

The Ridge Valley School recognizes that all children are gifted, talented and have diverse learning styles. The school’s overarching purpose is to help students in the areas of analytical thinking, communication research, spiritual awareness, self-management and social skills so that they excel in all spheres of life. The school currently has a strength of 300 students.

The session culminated with the Principal, Mrs. Guneet Ohri, giving a vote of thanks to Ms Paul, Mr. Bill, the NASA photographer, and the team at Atlantis Innovation & Edu Travels Pvt. Ltd., who gave students this opportunity to interact with the NASA engineer under their “Going Beyond” programme.

A snapshot of Ridge Velley School


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DLF Foundation Awarded ABP News Global CSR Award 2015

DLF Foundation was commended with the Global CSR Excellence & Leadership Award 2015 for

Best Corporate Social Responsibility Practices by ABP News during the 4th Global CSR Excellence & Leadership Awards ceremony held in Mumbai recently.

The Global CSR Excellence and Leadership Awards have been instituted for recognizing outstanding achievements in the fields of economic, environmental and social performances. The platform identifies and recognizes exemplary performance by businesses in the various aspects of Corporate

Social Responsibility, and promotes role models in industry and rewards excellence.

DLF Foundation has been working relentlessly with the mandate given by the Chairman of the DLF Group, Shri K P Singh, to evolve innovative and action-based solutions to help undeserved sections of society to fulfill their unrealized aspirations for quality life. The Foundation has initiated a series of interventions in healthcare, education, employment linked skill development programmes, talent nurturing, labour welfare programmes, environmental sustainability, rural infrastructure development and extending financial support to other social initiatives.

“At DLF, we embody the principles of corporate responsibility in our business philosophy and operations. We are very honoured to be conferred this award as it validates the commitment and efforts of our staff at all levels,” said Lt Gen Rajender Singh (Retd), CEO, DLF Foundation.

AWARDS &RECOGNITIONS

DLF Foundation bags the ABP News Global CSR Award

building lives, may 2015 1 - dlf foundation building lives, may 2015 ... forwarded to the selection...

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