Accenture Funds Training Programs in South Asia

The leading global consultancy company, Accenture, has recently provided an additional grant of more than $2 million to Leonard Cheshire Disability to support training programs in South Asia. Leonard Cheshire Disability runs an "Access to Livelihoods" program that provides people with disabilities in South Asia with career and training opportunities. The grant from Accenture will help to expand the scope of this program and include a larger number of disadvantaged people for support.

With the new initiative, Leonard Cheshire Disability aims to train at least 8,750 people in new job skills. The focus of the program will be the Philippines and some other parts of South Asia. Accenture has directly support Leonard Cheshire Disability with more than $2.5 million in funds since 2008, including the current grant. This support is a part of Accenture's global corporate citizenship initiative called "Skills to Succeed". The initiative aims to equip at least a quarter of a million people around the world by 2015 with effective skills to help them gain a job or build a business.

Leonard Cheshire Disability's "Access to Livelihoods" pilot has already provided business start-up or vocational training to more than 1,500 people till date. About two-thirds of these trained people are now employed. Apart from financial support, volunteers from Accenture also assist trainees in the Leonard Cheshire Disability program to prepare for the workforce. They provide one-to-one mentoring, resume building guidance, and career and job fair support.

Adrian Lajtha, chief leadership officer at Accenture says, "Supporting Leonard Cheshire Disability helps bring to life Accenture's commitment to equipping people with the skills to get a job or build a business. Leonard Cheshire Disability has had a substantial impact in South Asia proving it's possible to make a lasting impact on the economic well-being of disabled individuals by developing skills and connecting people with the right job opportunities."

Tanya Barron, who is the international director at Leonard Cheshire Disability, says about the program, "People with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed as non-disabled people. We are delighted that Accenture has extended the partnership with Leonard Cheshire Disability for a further three years. The grant enables us to extend our reach to thousands more people with disabilities, supporting them by providing training and skills for the workplace. This initiative will make a huge difference to the beneficiaries and their families, giving them more independence and choice."