Empowering Girls through Education: CSR initiative to educate over 800 underprivileged girls

Navi Mumbai, India: Walplast Welfare Foundation a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) arm of DryChem India Pvt Ltd Group of companies is committed to the belief that education and empowerment of girls is vital step to strengthen the progress of our nation. In line with this belief, Walplast has taken a significant step towards promoting quality education for over 800 underprivileged girls by partnering with Project Nanhi Kali. This collaboration aims to support the education of girls in India, enabling them to overcome regressive social norms and fulfil their educational aspirations for a brighter future.

Project Nanhi Kali, started by Anand Mahindra in 1996, has been dedicated to providing holistic support to economically and socially disadvantaged girls enrolled in government schools across India. Over the past two decades, this project has positively impacted the lives of more than 550,000 girls, affectionately known as “Nanhi Kalis,” across 15 states of India.

Speaking about this noble partnership, Shri Kaushal Mehta, Managing Director of Drychem, stated, ” We firmly believe that education is a powerful tool for driving positive change in society. Together, we aspire to create a positive impact in the lives of these underprivileged girls by reducing dropout rates, improving learning outcomes, promoting regular attendance, raising awareness among families and local communities about the importance of girls’ education and bridging the gender gap in education.”

The support provided through this collaboration includes:
– Academic Support Centres where locally recruited women learning facilitators engage the girls in interactive and concept-based learning.
– A personalised adaptive EdTech learning platform which tailors instructions to the learning level of each girl, ensuring better comprehension and meaningful learning. Powered by artificial intelligence, the software is delivered to the girls via digital tablets.
– A professionally designed sports curriculum
– Provision of an annual school supplies kit comprising a school bag, notebooks, stationery, a raincoat/pullover and additionally feminine hygiene material, for girls in secondary school.
– Community engagement and parent sensitization.

Through this partnership, Walplast Products Pvt. Ltd. is supporting the education of over 800 Nanhi Kalis, including girls both in primary school and secondary school, till 31st March 2024. These girls come from Palghar (Maharashtra), Bharuch (Gujarat), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) and Nashik (Maharashtra).