Ford India’s commitment towards working for the betterment of communities in its ecosystem was once again witnessed when recently the company helped to renovate 2 schools in neighbouring villages of Kizhakarnai and Chitamanur, near its plant in Maraimalai Nagar.
This initiative was possible with the help of volunteers from Ford who completed the renovation during the summer holidays. The workforce of the company took part in this initiative with great enthusiasm. The company unveiled the new revamped facilities on the opening day of the school that was received with a loud cheer from students, teachers and parents alike.
In 2010, the company was involved in building a perimeter wall surrounding the Chitamanur primary school. Ford India, encouraged by their dealers who contributed INR 20 lakhs, donated an equal amount to create a better learning environment for the children.
Ford India, Manufacturing’s Tom Chackalackal, said that they are dedicated towards the betterment of the communities they work within, and this initiative was a step towards achieving that. School is one of the first steps for a brighter future, which was why they decided to begin with an educational institution.
What Ford India did, was renovate the floors and roofs of classrooms, toilets, as well as provided new furniture at the primary school in Kizhakarnai. At the high school of Melrosapuram in Chitamanur, the company renovated an unused classroom. The refurbishment of the facilities cost INR 40 lakhs.
Apart from the renovation activities, Ford India also distributed new uniforms, books, and schoolbags to more than 700 children. The uniforms were also tailor made to fit them properly.
The company’s VP of powertrain operations, Balasundaram Radhakrishnan, said that they improved the facilities to encourage students in studying. The new uniforms, bags and books, will help to increase their morale, as well as help them in beginning a new term happily.
Ford India has undertaken many such activities in the past. Among their many community support initiatives include Healthcare, Education and Road Safety being a responsible corporate organization. They support surrounding villages with the help of a primary healthcare facility located in Sanjeevi that has registered above 200,000 patients.
The company also globally organizes a Week of Caring, when around 1,000 volunteers of the company came together last year to plant about 800 saplings along the GST Road at Chengalpattu, Chennai. Ford India has also conducted a programme for driving training, since it was launched in 2009, called the Driving Skills for Life, programme with more than 2,000 participants so far.