It's that time of year again at Amazon India! Employees across the country are gearing up to give back to their communities through the company's annual Global Month of Volunteering (GMV) initiative.

A Global Force for Good

GMV is a worldwide event where Amazon leaders, employees, partners, and even customers unite to support impactful causes. Now in its third year in India, GMV 2024 focuses on four key themes: education, food security, sustainability, and women empowerment.

With a mission to educate, inspire, and connect, GMV 2024 runs throughout May. Amazon has curated over 150 volunteering opportunities across India, partnering with more than 40 non-profit organizations including DonateKart, Rosy Blue Foundation, and the CRY Foundation. Employees can participate in a variety of in-office, outside-office, and virtual volunteering activities.

Manisha Patil, CSR Lead - Community Engagement, Amazon India said, “Amazon’s Global Month Volunteering cultivates a sense of belonging and unity, ultimately creating a more equitable and compassionate culture for all through embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity. We truly believe that our volunteering efforts underscore our dedication to empowering PWDs and creating a more inclusive society where they are offered with opportunities for dignified employment.”

Empowering People with Disabilities

Beyond GMV, Amazon India's commitment to social responsibility extends to initiatives like the Global Resource Center (GRC). Launched in December 2023 in collaboration with Sarthak Education Trust, a leading disability rights organization, the GRC aims to empower people with disabilities (PWDs) across India.

Inaugurated by the Honorable Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, the GRC signifies a significant step towards a more inclusive world. It serves as a central hub, providing access to specialized training programs, assistive technologies, mentorship opportunities, and customized job placement services.

Manisha Patil, CSR Lead - Community Engagement, Amazon India said, "The GRC is a groundbreaking initiative that will empower people with disabilities across India. Investing in training for people with disabilities (PWDs) unlocks a powerful two-way benefit.  For individuals, it equips them with relevant skills, expanding job opportunities and leading to greater financial independence and self-sufficiency.  Society as a whole gain as well.  By empowering PWDs to actively participate in the workforce, companies like Amazon benefit from a diverse pool of talent with unique perspectives, fostering innovation and creativity.  Furthermore, training and employing PWDs promotes inclusivity, bridging the gap between them and non-disabled individuals and creating a more equitable society for all. By providing them with the skills and support they need, we can help them achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the digital economy."

Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Founder & CEO of Sarthak further added, “We are incredibly proud of the progress made by the Global Resource Center in just a few short months. The collaboration between Amazon and Sarthak Education Trust is a powerful example of how businesses and NGOs can work together to empower people with disabilities and foster a more inclusive society."

Building a Brighter Future for All

The GRC caters to individuals with hearing, visual, and locomotor disabilities. It leverages Amazon's technology expertise and Sarthak's experience in disability skill development, training, and job placement. The impactful programs offered encompass capacity building in technology, e-commerce, logistics, and beyond, ensuring PWDs have the skills and support needed to flourish in the digital economy.

The Rozgarsarthi app, a key component of the program, connects PWD candidates with job opportunities at Amazon and other organizations. Amazon further equips participants with English language skills, provides mobile devices, offers a monthly remuneration of up to INR 20,000, and assists with travel and accommodation.

Since its launch in December, 2023, Amazon.in and Sarthak Education Trust have already trained over 10000 beneficiaries and have provided employment opportunities to over 6000 in the last 6 months.

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