In order to provide underprivileged youngsters in Hyderabad and Bengaluru with employability skills and link them to long-term employment possibilities, the Flipkart Foundation, the nonprofit division of the Flipkart Group, has teamed up with Smile Foundation to start a skill development project.

This initiative seeks to train a total of 540 young individuals, guaranteeing that women form at least 70% of the participants. It is anticipated that at least 380 trainees would find work in the BFSI industry. The programme’s overall goal is to help 2,700 individuals, including the relatives and communities of the participants, both directly and indirectly.

The last cooperation effectively taught 546 youth, with 73% of them gaining access to worthwhile work possibilities. This collaboration builds on the good outcomes of that relationship. Building on the momentum, the new project intends to encourage long-term employment retention and steady income development by further improving youth employability through organised post-placement surveillance.

Smile Foundation will provide thorough training through this collaboration, emphasising computer literacy, English proficiency, communication skills, BFSI material, and workplace preparedness. To prepare the youth for fulfilling work in the BFSI industry, which is expanding well, the curriculum also incorporates career counselling sessions, employee engagement activities, and frequent assessments. “At the Flipkart Foundation, we understand that meaningful skilling is not just about training but about enabling access, aspiration, and long-term opportunity,” stated Sarah Gideon, vice president of communications and the Flipkart Foundation, in reference to the relationship. This programme demonstrates our ongoing dedication to giving young people the self-assurance, skills, and assistance they require as they get ready for the formal workforce. Our goal is to overcome systemic gaps and help create a more resilient and inclusive workforce by collaborating closely with local partners like Smile Foundation.

“Skilling is an essential component of education,” stated Santanu Mishra, co-founder and executive trustee of the Smile Foundation. We must give priority to skilling projects if we want to train our youth to be self-sufficient, earn a living, and contribute to India’s progress. In order to help young people from underprivileged communities enter the workforce with the skills, self-assurance, and hope for a better future, we are grateful to the Flipkart Foundation for their important support of our skill training and employment programme.

This partnership demonstrates the Flipkart Foundation and Smile Foundation’s shared dedication to improving youth employment, encouraging inclusive growth, and laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable livelihoods in all communities.