CSR: Aegon joins forces with HCL Foundation to educate underprivileged children

Chennai, India: HCL Foundation (HCLF), which delivers the corporate social responsibility agenda of HCLTech in India, has received a grant of Rs 8 million (€89,431) from Aegon, a diversified international financial services group, to provide access to educational opportunities for underprivileged children attending the Lions Club of Guindy Labor Colony High School, Chennai, India.

As part of its commitment to community development, HCL Foundation has been actively engaged with the school for the past five years, providing quality education to children from poor families. The grant from Aegon will boost the efforts of HCL Foundation to create child-friendly learning spaces, reading corners and experiential learning opportunities for children. It will also enable training programs for teachers, access to sports infrastructure and improved sanitation and safe drinking water facilities at the school. HCLTechies associated with the Aegon account have been volunteering in this initiative through regular weekend programs in teaching and mentoring, organizing health camps and re-painting of the school wall.

Sudip Lahiri, Executive Vice President and Head of Financial Services, Europe, HCLTech and Naresh Narang, Global Client Partner, HCLTech accepted the grant from Koos van der Veen, IT Director, Aegon, and Kees Jan Stam, Vendor Manager, Aegon at an event in The Hague, Netherlands. Gince K. Mattam, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India, Netherlands and executives from HCLTech and Aegon were also present on the occasion.

“We are deeply committed to promoting quality education and our partnership with HCL Foundation supports this endeavor,” said Koos van der Veen. “We believe that every child deserves access to quality education, and this initiative aligns with our commitment to making a positive impact in the unserved communities.”

“Aegon and HCLTech have enjoyed a long-standing relationship and this grant represents our shared vision of building inclusive communities with equal opportunities for all. It will strengthen HCL Foundation’s efforts to ensure that access to education reaches the last mile of the society,” said Sudip Lahiri.

“We are delighted to have Aegon join forces in our initiative to transform lives at the bottom of the pyramid. This collaboration exemplifies the collective commitment of HCL Foundation and Aegon towards fostering education and driving sustainable development.” added Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Vice President, Global CSR, HCL Foundation.