Transforming Education Through Sustainable Green Model Schools in India
Published on : Thursday 08-08-2024
The Green Model Schools program was created in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic when school closures severely disrupted children's education across India.
As a global leader in the metalcutting industry, Sandvik Coromant is committed to not just developing innovative manufacturing solutions, but also making a positive impact on the communities where it operates. Through its Green Model Schools initiative in India, the company is championing sustainable education and demonstrating its dedication to corporate social responsibility (CSR). In this article, MD and CFO at Sandvik Coromant India, Kiran Acharya, explains how the schools are supporting children across the region of Maharashtra.
Dedicated to delivering quality education
The Green Model Schools program was created in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic when school closures severely disrupted children's education across India. Recognising the urgent need to re-engage students and improve learning outcomes, Sandvik Coromant partnered with the non-profit Thinksharp Foundation to transform underserved government schools in rural, low-income areas into modern, eco-friendly educational hubs.
The vision was to create learning environments that foster children's passion and drive for learning. Green Model Schools undergo a complete transformation, from civil repairs and vibrant painting to cutting-edge facility upgrades. Each school receives a computer lab with 10-12 desktop computers and interactive whiteboards to enable digital literacy. Well-stocked libraries with over 300 books have also been installed andmultimedia classrooms have been fitted with projectors, tablets and e-learning tools.
Since the programs launch, Sandvik Coromant has inaugurated three Green Model Schools in two remote villages and one in an urban area of Maharashtra's Pune district. As a result, more than 900 students from underprivileged backgrounds have benefitted from the schools’ resources. One of the first transformed schools, ZP School Baur, won the prestigious "Adhyaksha Chasak Puraskar" award for its remarkable educational renaissance.
With increased community involvement, dropout rates have declined by over 25% as parents embrace their children's enhanced learning opportunities. Average test scores have also improved by 15% to 20% across subjects.
Demonstrating CSR
Prioritising sustainability, Sandvik Coromant installed rooftop solar panels at each school to generate renewable energy to power classrooms, fans, and lights. Tree planting encourages the green landscape while environmental education workshops teach students about circularity, recyclingand reducing carbon footprints. Additionally, outdoor play areas have received new sports courts and equipment to promote physical fitness.
The Green Model Schools powerfully demonstrate Sandvik Coromant's core values of sustainability, innovation and collective empowerment. Local employees enthusiastically volunteer their time and skills, hosting science fairs, health education sessions on nutrition and hygiene, computer literacy workshops and beautification projects at the schools.
Every child deserves access to a nurturing academic setting that unlocks their full potential, and the Green Model Schools exemplify Sandvik Coromant’s commitment to empowering the next generation through skills, technology and sustainable practices.
The Green Model Schools represent just one component of Sandvik Coromant's holistic CSR vision. The company's community engagement strategy centers on four pillars – environment, education, skills and diversity and inclusion.
As Sandvik Coromant elevates communities through transformative educational programs, the company reinforces its reputation as an employer of choice for talented professionals seeking purposeful work. By prioritising environmental stewardship and holistic social impact, Sandvik Coromant attracts motivated team members who share its vision of creating positive change.
Looking ahead, Sandvik Coromant is committed to establishing more Green Model Schools across Maharashtra by 2025, focusing on remote areas with limited educational resources. The company welcomes individual and corporate donors, volunteers and prospective employees to join them on this mission.
The Green Model Schools stand as shining examples of Sandvik Coromant's philosophy in action – turning expertise into meaningful value for society. With focused determination, the company will undoubtedly continue to blaze new trails in sustainable development and community empowerment.
To learn more about Sandvik Coromant’s CSR initatives, visit sandvik.coromant.com
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