MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA LTD. | Integrated Annual Report 2021-22

95 MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA LTD. Integrated Annual Report 2021-22 Executive Summary of Impact Assessment Reports A brief outline of projects for which Impact Assessment was carried out and the Executive Summary of Impact Assessment Reports are given below: Project Nanhi Kali Your Company’s flagship CSR initiative, Project Nanhi Kali supports the education of underprivileged girls especially from marginalized and economically weaker sections in rural and tribal areas. The project supports girls by giving access to digital tablets pre-loaded with the Mindspark learning software. The platform enables girls to learn with understanding and continue their learning journey. The key objective of the impact assessment was to assess the impact of Project Nanhi Kali on the girls especially during COVID-19 and other stakeholders during the period 1 st April, 2020 to 31 st March, 2021. The project was jointly sponsored by Mahindra & Mahindra Limited and Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited. The assessment was carried out in Shravasti (Uttar Pradesh), Nashik (Maharashtra), Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh). The key findings are: • 99% girls claimed that their proficiency in their local language had improved after attending Nanhi Kali classes. 96% girls reported that their English and Maths skills had improved and they achieved a more sound conceptual understanding of the subjects. • Mindspark EdTech platform mitigates geographical barriers (lack of access to study material, qualified tutors and internet connectivity) related to learning and ensures that the girls receive access to the personalized adaptive learning software. • The Community Associates played a key role in ensuring that the girls learning journey continued, especially during COVID-19. Their constant support through home visits ensured that even girls who had no access to mobile phones could avail of learning material. • It was concluded that without the Nanhi Kali support, the girls would have not been able to continue their education and would have been at risk of dropping out, especially during the pandemic. • 97% girls reported that they received school bags, stationary, sanitary napkins, and raincoats across all study areas. The girls expressed great joy in receiving brand new school supplies; some had received it for the very first time in their lives. Mahindra Pride To harness the advantage of our demographic dividend, skill development of youth is essential. Aligning with this national priority, Mahindra Group began a livelihood and skill development programme, Mahindra Pride to equip youth with employable skills. The key objective of the Impact assessment was to assess the employment status post training, get feedback on the training quality and skills acquired and consequent impact on standard of living for the students trained between 1 st April, 2020 to 31 st March, 2021 across more than 8 States. The programme is jointly sponsored by Mahindra & Mahindra Limited and Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited. The key findings are: • Majority of the students trained are from SC/ST/OBC backgrounds and economically weaker sections; 58% students are women. • Despite the impact of COVID-19, 100% of students looking for jobs were successfully placed. Overall, 72% of students were placed and the balance pursued higher education. 61% of those who had received placement offers are continuing employment, thus attesting to high level of employability. • The students who have been placed contribute to about 50% of their total family income. • 88% reported that the course provided skills and confidence that continue to help in their individual professional roles. Almost all the students agreed that the course had been “highly impactful” and resulted in improvement in their standard and quality of life.