Sun. Feb 16th, 2025

Smile Foundation. Award. pic-1

17 January 2025: A national-level upskilling programme named iTrain on Wheels receives the Strategic CSR Project of the Year Award during the 3rd Bharat CSR & Sustainability Summit & Awards, in Mumbai. The programme, implemented by Smile Foundation and supported by Berger Paint India Ltd., is operational in 443 districts (51 aspirational) across 25 states and three UTs of India.

So far, more than 2.98 lakh paint applicators (household painters) have been trained free of cost, resulting in increased income and development of entrepreneurship.

The project is in alignment with (Sustainable Development Goals) SDGs 5, 8 and 10.

Berger Paints India Limited and Smile Foundation came together in 2021 to implement the iTrain on Wheels programme across India, free of cost. The iTrain on Wheels programme has significantly enhanced the skills of semi-skilled and unskilled paint applicators (painters), achieving a key programme objective. Post-training, the paint applicators apply their newfound skills to their work, resulting in improved finishes and overall quality. This skill upliftment has translated into increased work, client satisfaction, referrals, business expansion, and income growth.

While emphasizing technical skills development, the programme also places a significant emphasis on soft skills training, recognizing the importance of effective communication and interpersonal skills in the painting industry. Additionally, the programme’s focus on entrepreneurial skills development highlights its commitment to not only enhancing painters’ technical abilities but also equipping them with the business acumen needed to succeed as independent contractors or business owners.

The upskilling sessions are delivered at the doorsteps or near the workplace of the paint applicators. They are free to use any paint, tools and designs of any make and brand. Everything in this programme is free of cost.

Each iTrain mobile unit is equipped with audio-visual tools, practical training booths and mechanized equipment to make the painting process more efficient, quicker, cleaner and safer. The faculty consists of certified and experienced trainers with industry knowledge and technical competency. All the mobile units have so far travelled 11 lakh kilometers.

Courses cover theoretical and practical knowledge as well as entrepreneurial and soft skills. Trainees receive both theoretical and practical training in new techniques along with the use of mechanized equipment.

Special modules on Wood Polishing, Decorative Painting, and Body Language are also taught during the trainings.

An independent Impact assessment survey had recently been commissioned on this project. Some 76.30% of respondents stated a higher expenditure on utility bills like electricity and water reflecting a greater capacity to cover essential expenses. As many as 72.61% of the respondents stated an increase in spending on nutritious food and vegetables, indicating a prioritization of health and well-being thus maintaining a comfortable standard of living. A significant 74.13 % of respondents have purchased a vehicle, thus, reflecting their financial stability and an increase in the ability to realize their aspiration with the change in the income growth after completion of the iTrain programme, there has been a corresponding increase in multiple household and lifestyle expenditure areas.

The overall impacts are palpable both in the future of their children, families, and in the peer groups.

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