National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), Delhi, has collaborated with Smile Foundation for the second time towards an integrated community development project in Delhi NCR. This is an innovative initiative focused towards the holistic development of underprivileged slum dwellers in the region. The first term of the partnership was successfully concluded in the year 2011-12.
In 2012-13, the support from NSIC towards the education project is benefitting underprivileged students from eight Mission Education centres of Smile Foundation. The support for the Swabhiman project is aiding women and adolescent girls from nine slum locations of Delhi NCR.
Talking about the vision behind supporting this initiative, Dr. H.P. Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of NSIC, stated, “Working for development of the less privileged has always been an important aspect of the way we function and work. Hence when Smile Foundation approached us with the concept of having an integrated development project, we immediately committed our support. With this project we are not focusing on just one aspect of development but are trying to address the major needs for sustainable development of the less privileged in the country. The focus on all round and holistic development of the people is what is required to bring about sustainable development and this is the most special thing about this project. We are happy to have partnered with Smile Foundation and hope that with this partnership, we will be able to achieve our vision of bringing about growth and development of the less privileged.”
The educational aspect of this development project is achieved through Bridge Course Education of children in the age group of 6-16 years. The empowerment of women and adolescent girls is brought about through focus on their education, bringing about positive behavioural change and improved reproductive health.
NSIC is an ISO 9001–2008 certified, Government of India enterprise, under Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. NSIC has been working to fulfill its mission of promoting, aiding and fostering the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises in the country. It operates through its countrywide network of offices and Technical Centres.