NIIT Foundation and Ciena Empower Underprivileged Youth Through Career Development Initiative in Ghaziabad
NIIT Foundation, in collaboration with Ciena, a networking systems, services and software company, is operating a Career Development Center (CDC) to empower individuals in and around the villages in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. The program addresses the critical gap between education and employment and aims to provide essential skills training and job opportunities to marginalized communities – equipping beneficiaries with the tools they need to succeed in today’s ever-evolving economy.
The CDC offers a comprehensive range of services, including vocational training programs in high-demand sectors such as IT and retail. The center’s curriculum emphasizes both technical and soft skills development, ensuring trainees are well-prepared for professional environments. Furthermore, the center also facilitates beneficiaries with job placement assistance, community engagement efforts, counselling services, and offers specialized programs designed to address the unique challenges faced by women in skill development and employment for instance.
During the financial year 2023-24, the total registrations surpassed 300, along with 128 individuals securing a successful job placement. These figures underscore the effectiveness of the registration drive, indicating strong interest and participation in both career and non-career programs.
Charu Kapoor, Country Director of NIIT Foundation, said, “Our partnership with Ciena has enabled us to create a substantial impact in the lives of underprivileged youth in Ghaziabad. By providing targeted skill development and career guidance, we aim to not just create job opportunities but also foster a sense of empowerment and self-reliance among the community.”
Further commenting on the collaborative effort, Amit Malik, Vice President, Ciena India, added, “Our collaboration with NIIT Foundation aligns perfectly with our commitment to social responsibility and community development. The success of this initiative reinforces our belief in the potential of public-private partnerships to drive meaningful change.”
Looking ahead, the NIIT Foundation and Ciena are committed to expanding the reach of this program across Ghaziabad to impact more than 300 beneficiaries, with plans to introduce new courses aligned with emerging industry needs and to explore partnerships with more local businesses to enhance job placement opportunities. The initiative aims to continue its mission of empowering underserved communities and contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the region.