Verizon Foundation Grant Provides Educational Enrichment to Indian Children

Continuing its commitment to invest in programs that have a direct impact on education and opportunities for children, the Verizon Foundation pledged support to a nonprofit in India working to empower 6-to-18-year-old children forced to leave home to escape abusive environments.

The nonprofit, called Divya Disha, supports educational and vocational training for runaway children. The Verizon Foundation's $28,800 grant will fund creation of a computer lab, information management system and library for more than 200 boys and girls. The computer lab will enrich the children's learning experience, and the information management system will help the staff track each child's educational progress.

Verizon Data Services India (VDSI) employees working in Hyderabad requested the grant and are volunteering to provide computer training and other educational support activities. These employees are part of a volunteer organization, called Software Professionals Inspiring Community Empowerment, started in 2003 to support community initiatives. Almost 100 VDSI employees will participate in the Divya Disha program.

"It is part of our vision to contribute to the communities around our areas of operation, and the opportunity to support Divya Disha in its efforts to mainstream runaway children is an important step for our Hyderabad center," said Rahul Saxena, VDSI managing director.

"This collaboration will go a long way toward making a difference in the lives of these vulnerable children by nurturing their inherent abilities and helping them become self reliant," added Isidore Philips, director of Divya Disha.

This is the Verizon Foundation's second grant dedicated to strengthen the literacy and education efforts of a school or nonprofit in India. In 2007, the foundation awarded $20,000 to the Olcott Education Society in Chennai to help students improve their English language and computer skills.

"In our global society, education is the key to making sure every child has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential and gain the skills to make a positive impact on the community," said Patrick Gaston, Verizon Foundation president. "We believe technology is a tremendous tool for expanding educational opportunities for children around the globe, from New York to Hyderabad."