The KIDS e.V. society, closely
associated with 3p, founded the
KIDS school in Tiripur India some
years ago with the help of international
partners from trade and industry.
There are nearly 750 girls and
boys attending this school; children
of poor families who would normally
be condemned to a life of poverty
and child-labour. With funds invested
by the Swiss trading group MIGROS
and the participation of local
MIGROS partners in the capital
of the Indian textile industry,
the school has achieved financial
independence.
Currently,
70% of the costs are supported by local
contributions and this support is being
increased.
The financial independence of KIDS makes
it possible to plan further investments
in a day-care facilities and to plan
a job-training center. The center will
prepare children who have graduated
from the KIDS school for qualified jobs
in industry.
The needs of both industry and its future
employees are satisfied by this arrangement.
This gives children from disadvantaged
backgrounds the chance to break through
the vicious circle of educational poverty
and companies that are desperately searching
for qualified employees can be assured
of a long-term supply of specialized
employees if they are willing to invest
financially in such educational programs.
Further regional initiatives are
being planned in the Philippines and
in Bangladesh. Education and training
as a long-term investment for the
future a³ this equals employment.
