The British Council and Microsoft India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a co-developed three-year partnership program, ‘English Skills for Youth’.

The initiative was aimed at enhancing life opportunities for young people, in the 18-25 age bracket, particularly women, in socio-economically marginalized communities across India.

The project was expected to benefit 60,000 youth and 600 teachers during the initial three-year pilot phase, with a long-term goal of reaching 400,000 young people, said the British Council in a statement.

As per an official press release issued by British Council, the primary objective of the 'English Skills for Youth' project is to enhance employability opportunities for the youth. Microsoft and the British Council have co-developed this program to impart one of the most in-demand skills – English language– to students.

This program will be integrated into rural engineering colleges linked to Microsoft’s existing NGO/partner skilling projects for the underserved.

The recipients will also possess fundamental foundational skills, such as teamwork, critical thinking, soft skills, and leadership aptitudes, providing a comprehensive development strategy for young people. These abilities are essential for enhancing employment prospects and facilitating options for higher study.

The beneficiaries will also possess fundamental foundational skills, such as teamwork, critical thinking, soft skills, and leadership aptitudes, providing a comprehensive development strategy for young people. These abilities are essential for enhancing employment prospects and facilitating options for higher study.

Alison Barrett MBE, director of India, British Council, said, “Enabling young people, particularly women, with life and employment opportunities is at the core of all our work in culture, education, and English so we are delighted to announce the ‘English Skills for Youth’ program with Microsoft India. This partnership model brings together expertise in developing the range of skills such as working collaboratively, critical thinking, English communication and soft skills, and leadership skills that are crucial for the age group of 18-25 years to improve their employability opportunities.”

Navtez Bal, executive director, Public Sector, Microsoft India, said, “Bridging the skills gap is foundational to building toward inclusive economic and societal progress in today’s digital economy. Beyond imparting digital skills, it is critical to provide holistic training content including soft skills to job seekers of tomorrow. We are excited to partner with the British Council and have a deep impact on the country’s youth with in-demand skills for future-ready jobs.”

As per estimates, in India, approximately one million people enter the workforce every month, yet only 10-20 percent of women of working age are employed, making this initiative even more critical. The programme will have a deliberate intake of 75 percent women learners, in an attempt to bridge the gender divide in the workplace.

Image source: Twitter