ASSOCHAM has conferred a Commendation Certificate to Smile Foundation in recognition of ‘Outstanding Contribution and Certificate of Merit in Best NGO (Skill Development)’ for 2014-15. The accolade is awarded ‘to recognize an NGO effort for its valuable role in skill development training & placement.’
The award was conferred at ASSOCHAM’s Summit-cum-Awards on Skilling India organized on the theme – ‘REALIGNING SKILLING TOWARDS MAKE IN INDIA’. Many dignitaries and eminent panelists including Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Hon’ble Minister of State, (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, Hon’ble Minister of State for Labour and Employment; Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State for Micro. Small & Medium Enterprises; and Prof. S. Parasuraman, Director, Tata Institute of Social Science, were attended the Summit-cum-Awards.
ASSOCHAM is one of the apex trade associations of India, established in 1920. Having in its fold more than 400 Chambers and Trade Associations, and serving more than 4,50,000 members from all over the country, the organization represents the interests of trade and commerce in India, and acts as an interface between industry, government and other relevant stakeholders on policy issues and initiatives.
This is an appreciation with specific reference to Smile Twin e-Learning Programme (STeP) of Smile Foundation. STeP is a national level livelihood programme that trains urban underprivileged youth with market-oriented job skills such as English, basic computer, personality development, retail management, relevant soft skills etc. and makes them employed in retail and service sectors across India.
More than 16,000 youth have been trained and 11,500 have been placed in over 140 brands through 33 operational projects across 16 states of India.