Ciena India’s digital inclusion program benefits youth in upskilling, connectivity

US-based telecom gear maker Ciena has said its ‘Digital Inclusion’ program has benefited 25,000 underserved youths in India as part of the initiative to reduce the digital divide in the country.

The company also outlined that it is expanding the program here by collaborating with several organisations to close the digital divide in India.

“Ciena’s Digital Inclusion Program continues to enable greater access to affordable connectivity, technology, and initiatives that foster digital upskilling and access,” it said.

The gear manufacturing company said in collaboration with Udayan Care, it has introduced a Digital Education and Training program by setting up an ‘Information Technology Training & Learning Center’ in Gurugram, Haryana.

“Supported by Ciena, this initiative aims to provide underserved youth with the necessary IT skills and digital learning capabilities, creating new employability opportunities for at least 150 youth,” said Kiran Modi, Managing Trustee, Udayan Care.

“Many of the non-profits that the Ciena Digital Inclusion Program supports are suggested by local Ciena employees. To personally see the communities we’re actively volunteering with directly benefit from this additional funding is very encouraging,” said Jagriti Yadav, Senior Director, Ciena IT Applications.

Yadav is also a member of the Ciena India Corporate Social Responsibility Sub-Committee.

“As a key enabler of innovations that drive connectivity, we want to ensure that everyone has equal access to the internet, technology, and digital skills they need to be future-ready. We also value connectivity as a means to unlock opportunities for both student and would-be entrepreneurs with digital skills and know-how,” said Jamie Jefferies, Vice President and General Manager, International, Ciena.

Additionally, Ciena India and Bharti Foundation benefited more than 5,000 students by contributing to the development of language and computer labs in Satya Bharti Senior Secondary Schools in Punjab; digital classrooms in schools across Punjab and Haryana; and advanced technology labs in two schools in Punjab, with a focus on robotics and game development.

The networking systems and software firm also supports a digital skills program at Pratham Foundation, including building a dedicated learning portal for youth aged between 15-25 years. Pratham plans to implement this program for approximately 4,000 youth from 2,000 communities across seven Indian states in two languages.