Deepalaya - Enabling Self-Reliance

Mr Mathew, Mr Yang, Ms Dikshit & Mr Yan at the event

Thursday, the August 28, 2008: With what could be termed no less than spectacular, Deepalaya, the largest operational NGO in Delhi & Huawei Technologies, telecommunications giant from China, joined hands together to support the noble cause of ‘livelihood generation for the differently abled with the setting up of a new Vocational Training Centre in Deepalaya’s South Delhi project location. Under the collaboration, Deepalaya will be setting up & running the Centre, which will train 50 children from nearby slums in its first year of operations, and Huawei will extend financial support.

‘Every Child deserves a Chance’ – Deepalaya’s firm belief was further strengthened when Huawei India CEO Mr Max Yang presented a cheque worth Rs 10 lakhs to Deepalaya Secretary Rtn TK Mathew. The occasion was graced by the Ms Sheila Dikshit, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi & His Excellency Mr Zhang Yan, Chinese Ambassador to India.

A distinguished presence

On the occasion, Ms Dikshit congratulated Deepalaya, which will soon turn 30, for the good work it has been doing for the children. “Mr Mathew & his team have forayed into something, which not many people think of. They have made children dream & realize them. Deepalaya is an organization the whole India is proud of”, said Ms Dikshit. The Chief Minister also congratulated China on the magnificent impact the nation has left on the world through Beijing Olympics.

His Excellency Mr Yan spoke about how the collaboration would not only facilitate the children to realize their full potential & become able, self-reliant citizens of the society, but also help strengthen Indo-China relations on a humanitarian note. He expressed how the two nations are similar in many ways & how they can support each other for mutual growth.

Positive discrimination of the girl child

The event was highlighted by a special Chinese song performance by Deepalaya students, which was warmly received by the attendance from both the nations. The folk dance performance by a group of differently abled Deepalaya children also gathered wide accolades.

Rtn Mathew, who was delighted with the children’s performance, talked about an upcoming event in October, when the organization would complete 30 years of existence & service. He also hinted upon some special publications which would be brought out on the occasion. With this three-year venture, Deepalaya also became the first Indian entry point for Huawei, which chose the NGO to kick-start its CSR activities in India & plans to take further initiatives in near future.

About the Project

The Vocational Training Centre would impart functional education & skills to the differently abled children & youth from Deepalaya’s functional areas in South Delhi. In the first year of operations, the centre would take care of 50 children, who will receive training in various spheres of life. Depending upon their performances, they will be equipped for mainstreaming through job placements, self entrepreneurship programmes & other efforts that can make them self reliant – the ultimate goal of Deepalaya.

Under the project, Deepalaya would also motivate & educate the candidates & employers on various National Awards in conformity with the UN Resolutions, which are given by the President of India every year on World Disability Day, to the Best Employer of handicapped, Best Handicapped Employee & Best Handicapped Self-employed.

The three-year project will aim at creating large-scale awareness in the communities about disability, its causes & prevention, and preparing the differently-abled children for a life of dignity by bringing out their latent talents & creativity through vocational training & life skill development.