VGCB Community Development Program (VGCB-CDP) — Thematic Projects

1. Project Alamkrita – Preserving Heritage & Empowering Artisans

• Focuses on training local youth and women in the traditional Etikoppaka wooden lacquer toy production, a unique craft from Andhra Pradesh’s Etikoppaka village.
• Provides artisan training and facilitates obtaining Artisan Cards for formal market access.
• Breaks gender barriers by encouraging both men and women to participate equally in craft production.
• Empowers artisans with sustainable livelihoods, preserving cultural heritage and fostering community pride.

 

2. Project Disha – Skill Development & Youth Empowerment

• Offers skill training programs targeting unemployed youth, including courses like Inventory Controller, CNC Operator, and Assistant Electrician.
• Collaborates with the Centre of Excellence for Maritime & Shipbuilding (CEMS) to provide industry-relevant training.
• Focuses on placement support with over 80% placement rates anticipated.
• Enhances employability and self-reliance of marginalized youth in and around Vizag.

 

3. Project Aarogya – Health & Well-Being (SDG 3)

• Benefitted approximately 7,700 community members in FY25 through monthly medical camps and specialist health check-ups.
• Collaborations with Indus Hospital, Apollo Hospitals, and GITAM Hospital ensure access to primary and specialized healthcare, including dental and eye care camps.
• Promotes menstrual hygiene awareness, advocating reusable cotton pads and menstrual cups within the community.
• Provides medical equipment support to local health centers for improved service quality.
• Focuses on reducing communicable diseases prevalent in slum areas through sustained health education and preventive care.

 

4. Project Udaya – Sustainable Community Infrastructure Development (SDG 9)

• Implements sustainable infrastructure projects such as renovation of community halls, Anganwadi centers, street lighting, and water facilities.
• Aims for long-term social, economic, and environmental value creation for local communities.
• Promotes eco-friendly and sustainable development models minimizing environmental impact.

 

5. Project Jivika – Women Empowerment & Entrepreneurship (SDG 5, 8, 10)

• Conducts training and production in:
  • Mini beauty care and professional services
  • Traditional Andhra snack making with FSSAI compliance
  • Beadwork and ornament making
  • Jute bag training and production unit – promoting sustainable products and additional income streams
• Supports women in economic independence and entrepreneurship development.
• Helps reduce inequalities and motivates income generation within families through skill-building and small business initiatives.

 

6. Project Shiksha – Education & Digital Literacy (SDG 4)

• Works to reduce educational inequalities and provide equal opportunities.
• Established computer labs in local schools, training over 700 students in digital literacy.
• Supports schools in the slum areas with infrastructure and digital learning resources.

 

7. Project Swach Jal – Safe Drinking Water (SDG 6)

• Provides access to safe, clean drinking water facilities through sustainable solutions.
• Focuses on preventing water-borne diseases such as cholera and jaundice through improved sanitation.

 

8. Project Prakruti – Clean Energy & Environment Protection (SDG 7, 13)

• Promotes renewable energy by installing solar panels in schools and community buildings, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
• Conducts plantation drives in slum areas and nearby community spaces, contributing to carbon sequestration and environmental restoration.
• Raises community awareness on climate action and environmental sustainability.

 

9. Monthly Employee Awareness Sessions

Regularly engage VGCB employees as volunteers to conduct awareness on topics like self-defense, environment protection, health, and hygiene in schools and communities.

Impact of VGCB CSR Initiatives

Over the years, VGCB’s commitment to community development has blossomed into a powerful story of transformation across the six slums of Vizag. By addressing health, education, women’s empowerment, environment, and livelihoods in an integrated manner, we have fostered sustainable growth that touches every facet of life.

Improved Healthcare Access and Awareness
In the realm of healthcare, more than 7,700 individuals have gained access to essential medical services through regular health camps and specialist consultations organized in collaboration with leading hospitals. These efforts have not only improved immediate health outcomes but also cultivated a lasting awareness of hygiene and sanitation, creating healthier living environments for families.

Empowering the Next Generation through Education
Education has been a cornerstone of our mission, empowering over 700 children with digital literacy skills and bridging the digital divide. This has opened new doors for the younger generation, inspiring them to dream bigger and embrace technology as a tool for success.

Women’s Economic Independence and Leadership
Women’s empowerment initiatives have rewritten many stories—over 200 women have acquired entrepreneurial skills, and 139 have earned trade-specific certifications. These women are not just participants but leaders, confidently running small enterprises and contributing economically to their households, breaking traditional gender roles and fostering financial independence.

Youth Skill Development and Employment
For the youth, Project Disha has been a beacon of hope, having skill-trained 100 marginalized youths, with 90 successfully placed in employment. This program is building a foundation for sustainable livelihoods and personal growth, helping youth to transform their aspirations into reality.

Sustainable Environmental Stewardship
Environmental stewardship is woven into every effort, with clean energy projects and large-scale plantation drives restoring the local ecology and promoting sustainability. These green initiatives nurture a healthier planet and community, teaching respect for nature as an integral part of development.

Driving Sustainable Development and Inclusion
Through ongoing community engagement and capacity-building activities, VGCB’s CSR initiatives contribute significantly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By fostering equality, inclusivity, and resilience, we nurture a community that is not only surviving but thriving.

Building Pride, Unity, and Long-Term Change
Together, these intertwined efforts have inspired pride and unity among community members, dismantled social barriers, and sparked a movement toward long-term, positive change. VGCB’s CSR journey is a true testament to how thoughtful, comprehensive intervention can transform lives—building a brighter, stronger future for all.