With plans to set up an official Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) chapter in 2015, Tata Communications International Pte Ltd first approached Halogen Foundation with the desire to help resolve some of the fundamental concerns of the community they serve. With ‘Education’ and ‘Employability & Sustainable Livelihoods’ being their priority areas,
TATA COMMUNICATIONS SEEKS TO EMPOWER YOUTH WITH THE RELEVANT SKILLS THAT WILL ALLOW THEM TO BE INDUSTRY-READY, AS WELL AS HAVING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE AND VALUES TO ENHANCE THEIR FUTURE PROSPECTS.
Starting off with hosting a business visit for our students on the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) programme, Tata Communications gave students a peek into the working world. Through further exposure to the programme, they soon found that the programme was well-aligned with their CSR objectives. As such, they made the decision to commit to the long-term development of these youths by adopting Evergreen Secondary School through the NFTE programme in 2016. Since then, their volunteers have been actively coaching NFTE students, providing valuable insight for their business plans and bringing corporate experience into the classroom. A virtual exchange between the NFTE students and students of one of their NGO partners in India was also organised to truly harness the global dimension of Tata Communications.
With the partnership going into its third year, Tata Communications has demonstrated that a long-term commitment benefits both their organisation and the institution. Tata Communication’s CSR committee has seen tremendous strides of growth in its various initiatives, and a similar degree of impact has been observed in Evergreen Secondary School as well. Amongst various testimonies from students that highlight their growing confidence and transformation, the partnership between Tata Communications and Evergreen Secondary School has seen a greater impact on the students with the last two winners of the annual NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge coming from this school.
The volunteers from Tata Communications have given much needed support to our students by challenging them to think critically about their ideas. With this partnership, they have brought valuable corporate perspectives to the NFTE programme that us as teachers might overlook. I appreciate the open and friendly approach they have taken with our students, which has led to the building of strong rapport over time.
MOHD SHAHRIL
Year Head (Upper Secondary)
Evergreen Secondary School
My favourite part of the NFTE programme was actually interacting with the volunteers. Zac, my mentor from Tata Communications, was very supportive – even coming for my NYEC finals! At the beginning of the NFTE journey, I didn’t know how to start on my business plan or make any choices, but he gave me valuable advice that helped me. He even motivated me during the times when I wanted to quit and taught me to look at failure as a stepping stone rather than a setback. I owe my achievements to many people, and the volunteers are definitely part of that.
DARIRAH BINTE MOHD FADZIL
NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge 2017 WINNER
Evergreen Secondary School
From this collaboration, we have seen amazing transformation in the students from being low in confidence to aspiring for greater things, simply through words of encouragement and structured guidance. As this partnership has evolved in the last three years, there are more students accepting the programme, and we have also found the opportunity to share our stories of growth while introducing the importance of technology to these future leaders.
BERNARD LIM
Head of Commercial Operations, Global Sales Group
Tata Communications International Pte Ltd
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