Ford CSR: Rebuilding schools for better education

Ford CSR

At Ford India, building the best possible future for our children is as important as building the best cars. Helping the children from our local communities get good education in the right environment has topped our priorities over the past few years.

Over the summer, our employees and dealers stepped up to help renovate couple of schools in Chitamanur and Kizhakarnai, villages near our Maraimalainagar (Chennai) plant. The idea was to develop school spaces that facilitate learning, promote scholarship and provide a nurturing environment.

While dealers donated Rs 20 lakh to refurbish the schools (this was announced during our National Discover Smart Drive), Ford India contributed a matching amount, while the APA region chipped in as well, and encouraged employees to join in the rebuilding process. The funds were put in to revamp the schools. Enthusiastic Ford volunteers worked hard over the schools’ summer holidays, helping out in renovating the roof and floors of classrooms as well as rebuilding the restrooms, among other jobs.

“We are committed to the betterment of communities we work amongst and this is a step in this direction. Schools are the first step towards the future and that brought us to start with an institution of education,” said Tom Chackalackal, vice president, Manufacturing of Ford India, at the schools’ reopening ceremony.

As the children, their parents and teachers cheered, the Ford team distributed schoolbags, writing kits and new stitched-to-fit uniforms to more than 700 students. As part of the renovation, Ford India also brought in new furniture for the Panchayat Union Primary School,Kizhakarnai. At Melrosapuram CSI High School in Chitamanur, a large unused classroom was refurbished, much to the delight of the students.

“We hope the improved facilities will motivate the students to study better. The new books, bags and uniforms will uplift their morale and help them start the session on a happy note,”Balasundaram Radhakrishnan, vice president, Powertrain Operations, Ford India who presided over the function at Kizhakarnai.