Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
Skill Development, Education & Community Development
Partner/Client
Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
Sector
Skill Development, Education & Community Development
Location
Pan-India
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
In 2021-2022, L&T emphasized CSR as a core part of its business strategy by collaborating with NGOs and executing projects directly to benefit communities and promote sustainability. L&T partnered with 4th Wheel Social Impact for impact assessment of CSR projects across three domains—Skill Development and Training, Education Initiatives, and Community Development Activities by Prayas Trust—to provide insights for improvement in future endeavours. A total of 1,317 respondents were engaged across the three thematic areas of Skill Development, Education, and Community Development Activities between December 2023 and March 2024 for this impact evaluation.
APPROACH
The ex-post monitoring & evaluation sought to thoroughly assess the impact and sustainability of projects undertaken in the fiscal year 2021-22. It utilized OECD/DAC evaluation criteria to scrutinize both measurable outcomes and qualitative effects on beneficiaries and the wider community. A mixed-methods approach was utilized, incorporating structured questionnaires, surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and site visits.
- Skill Development: Engaged 790 respondents through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, visited 8 Construction Skill Development Centres, and evaluated E-content with input from stakeholders.
- Education Programs: Engaged 304 respondents, visited Digital Equalizer initiative schools, and conducted discussions with teachers, students, and program members.
- Community Development: Engaged 223 respondents through Prayas Trust initiatives, reached 70 through Smart and Sustainable Villages programs, and engaged beneficiaries from Project Tarasha, AccessLife, and vocational skill training & capacity development programs.
INSIGHTS AND FINDINGS
Relevance & Coherence: CSR projects meticulously addressed the needs of marginalized communities by adhering closely to Schedule 7 of the Companies Act and significantly contributing to Sustainable Development Goals.
Efficiency & Effectiveness: Skill Development: CSTI boasted a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 87. In Education Initiatives, 88% of teachers were trained in science, math, and STEM model-making to improve educational efficiency. Prayas Trust’s Community Development initiatives also led to improved health and hygiene and impacted various regions.
Impact and Sustainability: The effectiveness of CSR initiatives and their social impact was evident across domains. Skill Development efforts improved technical and soft skills, with 74% of alumni acknowledging improved learning outcomes. Infrastructure support increased school attendance, and Community Development initiatives established solid educational foundations, improved health, and facilitated self-employment among women through vocational training.
RECOMMENDATIONS/VALUE ADDITION
Centralized Data Monitoring: Establish a centralized data monitoring system for CSTIs to track alumni placement efficiently and manage databases centrally.
Extended Vocational Training: Extend vocational training courses beyond entry-level skills and provide additional Training of Trainers (ToT) programs under the STA initiative to ensure future employability in the construction sector.
E-Content Access: Expand access to e-content for trainees and integrate modules focusing on soft skills and career progression.
Mentorship Programs: Prioritize mentorship programs for teachers and students in STEM projects by leveraging technical mentors from L&T, volunteers, or alumni to increase impact.
Refresher Courses: Provide refresher courses for digital classroom teachers and organize seminars to improve teaching methods and technology adoption.
Support Services for Women: Tailor support services for women in skill centres and offer resources and guidance to empower their entrepreneurial ventures.
Sustained Financial Support: Provide sustained financial support for health projects like AccessLife and Tarasha to maintain facilities and staff quality for long-term impact.
