Bengaluru : ABB India has announced the expansion of its community-led educational initiatives to support inclusive and equitable education in Karnataka. The programs, previously run in 98 schools in Nelamangala, will now also include 50 schools in Peenya, covering a total of 148 schools and reaching around 10,000 students. This expansion reflects ABB’s commitment to fostering educational development and environmental awareness among young students in both urban and rural areas of Bengaluru.
STEM Awareness and Foundational Literacy and Numerical Skills Program: The STEM Awareness and Foundational Literacy and Numerical Skills (FLN) Program aims to bridge learning gaps and ensure inclusive education by providing essential scientific concepts and foundational skills in literacy and numeracy. Integrated within the school timetable, the program offers hands-on learning opportunities, making education interactive and engaging. Run in partnership with the Sikshana Foundation, this initiative targets primary and higher primary students, equipping them with crucial competencies necessary for their cognitive development.
Paryavaran Mitra Program: The Paryavaran Mitra Program, set to be launched soon, focuses on preparing students to tackle environmental sustainability challenges. Collaborating with the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), the program engages higher primary school students in eco-friendly activities. With active involvement from the state’s Department of Education, it covers critical themes such as water and sanitation, waste management, and energy. This initiative encourages students to connect with nature and their communities, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental sustainability.
Impact and Future Plans
Commenting on the expansion, Sanjeev Arora, President of Motion Business, ABB India, stated, “ABB remains committed to supporting inclusive education and environmental sustainability. While we continue to learn and adopt sustainable ways in our operations, we feel the next generation must be aware of the impact they have on the environment. We hope through these well-designed programs, they equip themselves with the required competencies and learn to make more sustainable choices in life.”
Launched in 2022, these initiatives have successfully raised awareness among students, bridging the aspiration gap in key scientific concepts. Periodic assessments indicate gradual progress in students’ capabilities and awareness levels. In Nelamangala, 98 teachers have been trained to effectively deliver the programs, and a similar training and orientation program will be implemented in Peenya this year.
Supporting Women in STEM
In addition to these programs, ABB supports women’s education in STEM through an engineering scholarship in partnership with the Lila Poonawalla Foundation. Two batches of students have graduated from this program, demonstrating ABB’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.
