Twin E-Learning Smile Project

Twin e-learning

Twin e-learning refers to learning in computer as well as English language. It is offered to Urban poor- adolescent youths from under-privileged society- having passed higher secondary level but finding no job. Preference may be given to adolescents having successfully completed course in Secretarial practices, Basic Computer or similar

trade from ITIs or other recognized institutions but unemployed - provided they fulfill other criteria of eligibility as laid down under the project.

Employment Senerio

The Opportunities :- The projection made by National Association for Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) in Asia Times Online estimates that India's IT and BPO workforce will increase from about 700,000 to 2.3 million by 2010.

Also Indian Retail sector- driven by BPO boom- is expected to face similar boom with increasing demand for e-skills - its total Retail Market size is estimated to be Rs. 10.25 Lac Crore by 2010. Organized retail is currently happening in the 6 metros of India and they account for 66% of organized retail. Medium and small size cities/towns are now on verge of getting invaded by retail sectors.

Indian retail is being globally acclaimed as a “sunrise industry”. It is rated as the second most attractive retail destination among emerging markets after China. The greatest organized retail growth opportunities by size of segment are in food and beverage. It is expected to be the core of the retail venture.

 The core products will be in the FMCG followed by Leisure and Personal Goods, Health and Beauty, Clothing and Footwear, Home Furniture and Household Goods, OTC drugs and Health supplements.

The workforce status, the skill constraints :- However, the Asia Times Online also quotes - “Most importantly for the BPO sector, India also confronts a potential shortage of skilled workers in the next decade, despite India having an adequate talent pool, or "raw material" as stated by McKinsey. "Yet the problem is that this talent pool is largely unsuitable," it is further stated.

Youth Workforce Development Assessment study done in selected areas of India (NCR region included) in December 2005 by the Asia and Near East (ANE) Bureau of USAID, Washington revealed that virtually all employers, contacted by ANE Bureau Assessment Team, suggested that they were constrained by an inadequately prepared labor force.

Service sector employers have been univocal in that they could not find enough candidates with usable English knowledge (command), adequate computer skills or good communication skills. Many employers had to recruit staff with higher degrees than the job seemed to require but still

Proposed Intervention Programme

Under the Programme, Twin e-learning Centers are proposed to be set-up in 40 urban locations in the country for the benefit of urban poor (adolescent youths)-having passed at least class 12 from recognized Boards. Preference will be given to graduates.

 Each Centre will be set-up in a 2-room accommodation (hired or volunteered)-  one room shall be the Computer Centre, having 10 computers with all necessary facilities (LAN, internet, printers etc.) and the other room shall be the class room for teaching in English and other soft skills- such as-

Course Structure

Course Duration : 6 Months

Job Opportunities

SMILE Foundation has promised that talented trainees will be placed through its corporate partners across India. Candidates with interest in taking up jobs across India will be given preference.