Aegon, an international financial services group, has partnered with HCL Foundation, a corporate social responsibility arm of HCL Technologies, to help underprivileged children from poor families in Chennai access quality education. The foundation has been working with the Lions Club of Guindy Labor Colony High School for the past five years. The grant of INR 8 million from Aegon will enhance the foundation’s efforts to create child-friendly learning spaces, improve reading corners and offer experiential learning opportunities to the students. The program will also facilitate teacher training, access to sports infrastructure, and improved sanitation and safe drinking water facilities at the school. HCL employees associated with the Aegon account are volunteering in various ways, including regular weekend programs, teaching, mentoring, and organising health camps and repainting the school wall.
Mr Koos van der Veen, IT Director, Aegon, said, We are deeply committed to promoting quality education and our partnership with HCL Foundation supports this endeavour. We believe that every child deserves access to quality education, and this initiative aligns with our commitment to making a positive impact in the unserved communities.
Dr Nidhi Pundhir, Vice President of Global CSR, HCL Foundation, expressed delight over Aegon’s support, saying the collaboration exemplifies HCL and Aegon’s collective commitment to foster education and drive sustainable development. The grant of INR 8 million will ensure access to education reaches the last mile of society.
The executives of HCLTech and Aegon were present, along with the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of India, the Netherlands, during the grant handover ceremony. The grant from Aegon strengthens the foundation’s existing efforts to ensure that quality education is accessible to all.