1st Digital Training and Resource Centre for teachers and students inaugurated in Pimpri Chinchwad

A Joint Initiative by PCMC and Alfa Laval

Pimpri, Pune: September 03, 2019: A new and first-of-its-kind Digital Training and Resource Centre was inaugurated at Karmveer Bhaurao Patil Primary School, Pimpri Link Road, Shashtri Nagar, Pimpri today. This centre has been developed in collaboration between Education Department of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and Alfa Laval India and implemented through Y4D Foundation.

The centre has been established for ensuring the digital literacy and capacity building of teachers and students of PCMC Schools. It will provide the teachers & students with the latest versions of softwares and help the young tech enthusiasts to learn more and better about technology and its application. The implementation partner is Y4D Foundation an NGO that has vast experience in implementing such projects. The centre has been equipped with 26 Computers, broadband connectivity, total power backup, smart boards, modern sound system, CCTV camera, fire extinguishers and first aid. To start with 150 teachers and 800 students are expected to benefit through this centre in the 1^st year itself.

As a part of Alfa Laval’s focus on women empowerment a lady trainer has been identified. She is highly qualified and having experience in this field. She will initially run centre for 2 years.

Rahul Jadhav, Mayor PCMC said: "Digital literacy plays an important role in empowering citizens hence it is great contribution from Alfa Laval in making this happen through their CSR and volunteering initiatives. As we become a smart city we need people to be equipped with some skills related to IT so that we can fulfil our dream faster. Hence targeting generation next, children and youth is good idea and we must congratulate Alfa Laval volunteers and leadership for this partnership with PCMC. We appeal to other companies to come forward to make this city smart and inclusive by their intervention. We as PCMC shall extend all our support and welcome this partnership.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Anantha Padmanabhan, President – India, Middle East and Africa Cluster and Managing Director- India, said: “It will be the first of its kind centre in Pimpri Chinchwad with focus on Digital Literacy Program for teachers and students of PCMC Schools under the CSR initiatives of Alfa Laval India Private Ltd. Our common ambition is that this academic platform will strengthen teachers’ position in PCMC schools and will ensure quality digital education to the students of PCMC Schools. It will empower students who have limitless potential when it comes to innovative thinking and dealing with technology & technical gadgets.”

Alfa Laval has been offering training on basics of computers and use of smart phones in PCMC schools since 2018. The PCMC had approached Alfa Laval with a need to train teachers from around 100 PCMC schools on computers.

A team of 25 Alfa Laval employees volunteered for conducting training on basics of computers and use of smart phones. PCMC chose around 130 teachers from various schools who attended this training over a period of 13 weeks. The syllabus was prepared after interviewing teachers to find out their exact requirement and the same was vetted by IT Department of PCMC. The teachers were taught how to make online payments and how to use social media.