Vikas Vishranti: education as a way out of poverty and lack of prospects

We support the Vikas Vishranti project in Greater Noida near Delhi (India), which brings together education and the community. Children from disadvantaged families are given access to education and further training, while older people take on meaningful work. This is an example of how commitment in the context of our social engagement can have a lasting effect. 

As part of our sustainability strategy, our social engagement supports a wide range of projects that provide targeted support to people in challenging situations. The focus here is on offering people support that meets their needs and thus contributing to maintaining social welfare, whatever the circumstances. One example of strong social engagement is the Vikas Vishranti organisation in Greater Noida (India), which is part of the Delhi metropolitan region. It was founded in 2011 by Mrs R.K. Usha in a place where hardly anyone would expect change: a roadside intersection with 11 children who wanted to learn.

Today, at over 70 years of age, she runs a school that gives disadvantaged children a future and offers programmes for older people so they can lead independent, dignified lives. The class at the roadside turned into a permanent school project, and the vision of Mrs R.K. Usha became a locally established, sustainable organisation. This is a prime example of responsibility, courage and social impact. Greater Noida is a fast-growing area with industrial, educational and construction projects. Many families come here as migrant workers in search of work and a better life. Children then move with their families from construction site to construction site, without access to education. It is precisely these children that are at the heart of Vikas Vishranti.