The future belongs to today's youth, and there's no better investment than supporting their growth and potential. At a recent school giveback event in Gurugram, India, Cisco, in partnership with Capgemini, had the privilege of meeting 700 students who are eager to shape their futures. Through mentorship and thought-provoking activities, we aimed to encourage them to envision a brighter tomorrow and provide them with the tools to succeed.

A Global Model, Local Impact

The event was inspired by successful giveback activities I led through Cisco Black Belt Academy, a program offering scalable training to help our channel partners grow. Black Belt Academy is central to Cisco's broader mission to empower communities and create digital opportunities. Building on efforts in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Australia, we decided to replicate this model in India, a country with the highest number of Black Belt certifications in FY 2024.

Guiding Tomorrow's Leaders

With the support of Parisar Asha-Center, an education-focused NGO, we identified students ranging from 9 to 16 years old at one of the government-aided schools in India. These schools are financially supported by the government, relieving parents of the burden of paying fees and providing access to education for children who might not otherwise have it. This initiative to support government schools is rooted in our commitment to social responsibility and community development. Our goal is to empower underprivileged students, provide additional resources and educational support fostering long-term positive change.

Highlights of the day included:

• Coloring Competition:Students showcased their creativity through a "Save Earth" coloring competition, sharing imaginative ideas for protecting the planet.
• Learning Materials:Each student received sustainable steel bottles and educational books, fostering eco-conscious habits and supporting their learning.
• Food and Snacks:Snack boxes added to the excitement, providing a chance to relax after the activities.

Seeing their excitement and hearing their dreams reinforced the importance of supporting the next generation's potential.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the day was the chance to share our personal journeys. I joined fellow volunteers from Cisco and Capgemini to lead motivational sessions, offering guidance on how to build meaningful careers. We emphasized the value of hard work, dedication, and community support in shaping a bright future. Both Cisco and Capgemini volunteers were deeply impacted by this event, as seen through the quotes below.

"In line with Capgemini's commitment to empowering children and helping them secure the future they deserve, the children were educated on the benefits of a cohesive and progressive culture, given insights into corporate operations, and equipped with the knowledge needed to shape their futures."Gagan Narula, Capgemini Leader.

"Our visit provided students with valuable insights into sustainability, innovation, and the importance of a progressive mindset. Together, we are investing in a brighter, more sustainable future for the next generation."Puneet Gandhi, Cisco.

Our greatest possible gift to young students is to guide them around how to develop wings of creativity along with deep roots of responsibility towards their environment. That's exactly what we did, and I'm so proud of that.

A Collaborative Effort

This giveback event was more than just a fun day-it was an investment in the students and our shared future. Collaborating with Capgemini proved to be a powerful force multiplier, enabling us to address critical local issues and amplify our collective impact.

The event's success is a testament to the strong partnership between Cisco and Capgemini, exemplifying the spirit of Partnering for Purpose.

Driven by passion and dedication, our volunteers across both companies made this collaboration a powerful force for good. This initiative allowed us to deepen team relationships, drive employee engagement and contribute to meaningful change in the communities we serve.

Together, we empowered today's youth to dream bigger and become the leaders of tomorrow.

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