GE - NASSCOM launch knowledge network in Andhra

NASSCOM Foundation, the CSR arm of IT body NASSCOM, and General Electric's community outreach foundation, GE Volunteers, have launched a knowledge centre in Andhra Pradesh under the NASSCOM Knowledge Network programme.

The centre is aimed at helping underprivileged children enhance computer literacy skills as an added educational tool to gain a competitive edge.

The centre, which will also provide multi-purpose services such as education, health, e-governance and other services, was inaugurated by NASSCOM's regional director Bidhan K.

Called GEMS-NASSCOM Knowledge Centre, is the first of the centers to be inaugurated in the Nascom - GEMS partnership, and will function in partnership with Don Bosco Navajeevan Society in Bhoiguda, Secunderabad and Ramanthpur, Hyderabad.

Together hey will facilitate access to information and essential services and provide opportunities to enhance employability through capacity building and training tools, using ICT and address the needs of children and youth by training them on various skills through personality development activities.

NASSCOM Foundation, a registered charity under the Indian Trust Act 1882, leverages information and communication technologies to empower and transform the lives of the under-served.
 
''We are very excited about our partnership with GE Volunteers and are sure that we will be able to cater to communities further. Our association with GE has boosted our NKN endeavour, and acts as an example for many more corporates to join the movement'', says Rufina Fernandes CEO, NASSCOM Foundation.
 
Sanjeev Jain, business leader, GE Money Servicing says, ''At GE we believe that every child has the right to education. Employability and inclusive growth are two of the bigger challenges faced today, and ICT can be a powerful enabler for this! The knowledge centres will help facilitate social change and empower the underserved members. We believe that such Public – Private partnerships can be influential catalysts in bringing about more equitable opportunities for development and progress.''
 
GE Volunteers is an effort by GE to coordinate volunteer efforts company-wide to meet societal needs. GE employees volunteer over 1 million hours of community service every year, and coordinate company-wide efforts to address urgent projects around the world.

"GE people all around the world contribute their skills to improve the communities where they live and work. Their work addresses our key focus areas of education, environment and healthcare, and local community development needs. GE Volunteers really are good people doing great things," says Paul Bueker, director, GE Volunteers.