With the support of Sterlite Technology Limited and Pune Municipal Corporation, two digital empowerment buses were launched at Khillare Vasti, Karve road. These two buses will train the beneficiaries from Khillare Vasti, Karve road and Sant. Gadge Maharaj Vasti, Koregaon Park.
PCC’s youth Aasiya Shaikh and Sandeep Lokhande participated at the global youth exchange organized by YouthBuild International. The aim of the exchange was to provide an opportunity for young people to build networks with their peers and adults, gain professional and leadership skills and contribute their unique insights in tackling youth challenges
Global Opportunity Youth Network, Pune hosted a Partner Engagement Forum inviting multiple stakeholders from NGO’s, corporates, academia and government in Pune to engage with the larger GOYN vision. Accenture Development Partners, India presented their 4-month scoping exercise of the Pune ecosystem followed by a session on “youth speak” led by Opportunity Youth from the community.
6th Lighthouse launched at the hands of Hon. Mayor Smt. Mukta Tilak and Hon. Municipal Commissioner Shri Saurabh Rao.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Smt. Rubal Agarwal and BPCL Representatives were present during the launch event.
Pune named Economy and Opportunity Laureate for 2019 Wellbeing City Award Pune, India has been named a 2019 Wellbeing City Award Laureate in the Economy and Opportunity category, for the ‘Lighthouse’ project, run in partnership by Pune Municipal Corporation and Pune City Connect. The Wellbeing City Award is the first global award recognizing city-led action on urban wellbeing.
The team of e-Zest, PMC and social workers being addressed on the Digital Empowerment course at the launch of the Digital Empowerment Bus.
Pune City Connect celebrated its Annual event at Savitribai Phule Smarak, Bhavani Peth. 500 people participated in the event – 17 PMC officers, 56 Corporate Guests, 38 NGO Partners and 400 Citizens were present in the event.
John and Sharlet Gaikwad were at their lowest when they joined the Lighthouse. They needed a new purpose. The family had been facing hardships for quite some time and needed the motivation to begin again.
The Lighthouse team members and students gently reminded them that “it is fine to give oneself the permission to be happy again”. At the Lighthouse, amidst all the youth, they gradually opened up and felt a sense of belonging and fulfilment. The connections with their new Lighthouse friends made them realize their interests that gave their life a new meaning. After participating in a few activities, John learned he enjoyed cooking. He later decided to start his own canteen.
Initially, John faced difficulties but he was persistent. The Lighthouse team provided him with guidance regarding the costing model and sourcing new orders. Today, John has a job in a large company, running one of their cafeteria counters! His dream is coming true. Meanwhile, Sharlet realized she was inclined towards the beauty industry and enrolled for the Beauty Parlour course.
The Lighthouse continues to conduct sessions with John and Sharlet, and guide them on their successes and learnings. More than earning a livelihood, their motivation towards life is to connect with people and create a sense of belonging.
The Lighthouse program continues to motivate people like John and Sharlet and is determined towards changing lives and giving people a reason to live. The motive here is not only to help people gain financial stability but also to provide them with emotional support while they’re on the way to self-realization.
Digital Empowerment centre at Sagar Colony inaugurated on 29th December 2018 by Kothrud MLA Mrs. Medha tai Kulkarni. This centre is supported by IDFC First Bank.
An event for PMC Social Workers was arranged on the 27th of December, 2018 at Yerwada Lighthouse, thanks to the initiatives of Shri. Nitin Udas, Chief Social Development Officer