Photo credits: Aide et Action
In a few months, the life of Shyam Ratan, 27 years old, has literally changed. After completing a vocational training through Aide et Action's iLEAD program, he now owns a garage where he repairs two-wheelers. He also trains young school dropouts who want to follow his path!
In a desperate financial situation, 27-year-old Shyam Ratan decided to take up vocational training through our iLEAD programme. This was a particularly life-saving opportunity for the young Indian from the village of Amerikampa, near Bilaspur. Indeed, belonging to a category of the population considered as inferior in India, his opportunities of studies and employment were strongly limited.
Relevant training
But thanks to our training programme, designed in consultation with local businesses, and the placement rate of 74%, he was able to acquire skills relevant to the labour market. Based on his skills, Shyam enrolled in the automotive trade stream. Thus, within a few months he learned the basics of the trade. However, after completing his training, as there was no two-wheeler repair shop in his own village and villagers had to travel long distances to get their vehicles repaired, Shyam decided to start his own car garage, Shyam's iGarage.
His story inspired other young people and started a chain reaction. Shyam decided to take over the iLEAD programme, accepting to train other disadvantaged young people in his turn. He has so far taken in 48 young people and is also overseeing the management of other such iGarages that have been set up in Bilaspur.
A virtuous circle
"Initially I was a bit sceptical as I didn't know if I would be able to run the business on my own, but after having a detailed discussion with the iLEAD team I was convinced and started working on my business proposal with the knowledge I gainedsays the young entrepreneur. I am very grateful to the Aide et Action team for mentoring me and helping me realise my potential. The programme instructors were very approachable and the training was extremely useful. "
Opening a garage in his hometown allows Shyam to provide services to people in his community in addition to caring for his elderly parents. He now employs four young people in his business.
The iLEAD programme has so far trained 242,000 youths worldwide, of which 46% are women. In Bilaspur alone, the programme has so far placed 3072 youth, a placement rate of 78%.
