Kia India has launched a Skill Development and Livelihood Enhancement program specifically designed for rural women residing near the Kia India manufacturing unit in Erramanchi. This initiative is part of Kia India’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts.
The program was inaugurated at Ammavarupalli village in partnership with the Timbaktu Collective, an NGO dedicated to enhancing rural livelihoods. The Timbaktu Collective has identified and shortlisted candidates who will benefit from this program.
According to a statement released by Kia India, a total of 75 women will be trained in a 36-week program. Kia India has provided financial assistance of ₹40 lakh for the establishment of a training center. The center is equipped with sewing machines, raw materials, equipment, tools, and facilities for maintenance. The candidates will also receive training assistance throughout the year.
Kia India’s Chief Administrative Officer, Kabdong Lee, along with representatives from the Timbaktu Collective, including co-founder Bablu Ganguly and Executive Director Mary Vattamattam, expressed their commitment to empowering rural women and fostering economic independence in the vicinity of the car plant premises.
Mr. Kabdong Lee stated that the training program aims to equip rural women with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue sustainable livelihoods, establish their own enterprises, and contribute to their families’ income and community growth.
Apart from this program, Kia India has undertaken various other CSR initiatives. These include an auto service technician program for local students, the construction of a library block for Penukonda Government Degree College, contributions to modern labs at Dhone ITI College, the donation of consumables to a super specialty cathlab in Anantapur, a plantation drive in Subbarauni Palli, and the provision of medical equipment and a daycare shelter for the Primary Health Center (PHC) in Guntur, Penukonda.
