2024-08-02 23:45:51
If the industrial world wants, it can change the face of the temple of education. Something similar has been done by Dutch multinational company AkzoNobel, which does business of paint and coating solutions in more than 150 countries of the world. It started a project in Punjab five years ago. Its name was Project Parivartan. Under this project, the condition of some government schools in Mohali district has changed. We are showing you a glimpse of one such school…
Trying to spread happiness among children
The industry is not only contributing to the GDP growth, but it also does many such works with its CSR fund which is commendable. One such initiative has been taken by AkzoNobel, a company that manufactures and sells paints under the Dulux brand, in Mohali district of Punjab. It implemented its major education initiative – Project Parivartan there five years ago. Under this project, an effort was made to spread happiness among about 800 children and teachers in two government high schools located in the district’s Mouli Baidwan and Saneta.
Murals made in the classroom
This year, when children were relaxing in their homes during summer vacation, 10 employees of AkzoNobel Mohali plant and skilled painters of Dulux changed the condition of those schools. Using about 700 liters of Dulux paint, inspirational paintings (murals) were made on eight walls of these schools. When the schools opened, the eyes of the children remained wide open in surprise. After this, a priceless smile danced on their faces.
Investing in building children’s future
Rajiv Rajagopal, Chairman and Managing Director, AkzoNobel India, said that at AkzoNobel Cares, we are playing a key role in building a strong future for the students of Mohali through painting. He said, “We are proud that Project Parivartan is contributing not only to their education but also to their overall development. Under this initiative, we also provide quality medical services to the children and their families. We are contributing to the development and empowerment of these children in collaboration with the School Education Department, and are celebrating five years of this initiative with the transformative power of paint, where children get a conducive and inspiring environment for learning.”
Kids are inspired every day
Rajagopal says that these murals designed to show the unlimited potential of children now inspire them every day, as the company believes that they come to school every day to paint their future. He informed that AkzoNobel’s Project Parivartan started in partnership with the Department of School Education (Government of Punjab) in Mohali district of Punjab in the year 2019. About 2000 children benefit from it every year. Students of five government high schools in Phase 5 and Mattaur, Mauli Baidwan, Saneta, Balangi villages of Mohali district have benefited from it.
People’s perspective on school has changed
Speaking on the response of the children and staff, Shubhwant Kaur, School Head, Saneta Government High School said, “When the children returned to school after the summer holidays, they were thrilled to see such colourful and inspiring murals. It feels good to see these vibrant colours welcoming us every day now.” Sanjeev Kumar, School Head, Mauli Baidwan Government High School said, “The impact of this transformation goes beyond the four walls of the school. This renovation has completely changed the perception of the local community about the school.”
Counseling facility is also available for children
Rajagopal explains that under Project Parivartan, students are also provided with additional knowledge and skills training on topics such as mental well-being, child sexual abuse awareness and career counselling. Apart from this, AkzoNobel India has contributed towards upgrading the infrastructure in schools such as improving the science labs and has also donated 2000 litres of Dulux paint for the renovation of the schools.