Amethi, India. 25 August 2023 . The Minister of Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs of the Government of India, Smriti Zubin Irani, announced the launch of Boeing’s Room to Read literacy program and a Doctors for You (DFY) medical diagnostic center in the Amethi district of Uttar Pradesh.
As part of the programs, Boeing will support Room to Read, a globally renowned not-for-profit organization, to implement the literacy program in 60 select primary schools for the next four years in Amethi to help nurture independent readers and lifelong learners. The Boeing-funded medical diagnostic center will feature advanced medical equipment including CT scan, digital X-ray, and ultrasound machines that will enable DFY to offer free medical tests to those in need for the next three years. In addition, the center will also offer training to medical technicians and paramedics.
Minister Irani was accompanied by senior Government and district officials, Boeing India’s Chief of Staff and Boeing Global Engagement lead, Praveena Yagnambhat, Room to Read India’s Country Director Poornima Garg, and Dr. Ravikant Singh, Founder, DFY, at the opening ceremonies in Amethi today.
It is the prime focus of the government to provide access to quality education and healthcare facilities to the people at the grassroots level in Amethi. Boeing’s community engagement initiatives in partnership with Room to Read and Doctors For You will make a remarkable contribution to the lives of the people of Amethi both in primary education and in providing them access to quality healthcare. I applaud Boeing’s commitment to partnering with the people of Amethi to help build a better future for all,” said Smriti Irani.
“When we nurture children’s imagination and curiosity, we build the next-generation disruptors, inventors, innovators. Equally, when we provide medical relief and sustainable healthcare to people of diverse communities, we are driving progress. Our longstanding partnerships with Room to Read and Doctors for You, underscore our continued commitment to provide resources that make literacy, education, and healthcare available to all,” said Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India.
As part of the Room to Read program, the library rooms will be set up in the selected 60 schools and will offer modern amenities and resources including books, reading tables, open bookshelves, display units, and other educational materials. In addition, the program will drive family and community engagement and awareness through community meetings, events, summer camps, parental orientation, school management committee training, and reading campaigns. The program will also enable professional development training for educators and faculty. The initiatives will help create awareness among families, communities, and educators about the right ways to support children at home and in school.
Geetha Murali, CEO of Room to Read, shared, “When children learn, they create waves of change that extend throughout their families, communities, and future generations. The strong partnership between Boeing and Room to Read exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing childhood illiteracy and creating positive change. By joining forces, we’re not only ensuring brighter futures for children but also keeping education at the top of the development agenda. We know that education is the foundation for solving other pressing challenges of our time.”
Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read’s innovative model focuses on deep, systemic transformation within schools during two critical time periods – early primary school and secondary school. The organization helps develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children and ensures girls can complete secondary school with the necessary life skills. Across 49,000+ communities in 23 countries, Room to Read has benefited more than 39 million children.
Inaugurating the Boeing-funded DFY medical diagnostic center, Dr. Ravikant Singh, Founder, Doctors for You said, “It’s a proud moment to extend our partnership with Boeing on the milestone project in Amethi today. We continue to bring quality, free healthcare services to the people of the district, providing access to cutting-edge diagnostic services to the communities.” DFY is a pan- Indian humanitarian organization that was established in 2007 by doctors, medical students, and like-minded people with a vision of “Health for all”. The organization has been demonstrating pioneering work in community-based disaster risk reduction, public health, training, and disaster emergency response, and has been involved extensively with vulnerable communities in the six states of India providing an efficient, effective, and equitable distribution of health care for all.
As a socially responsible business leader, Boeing is committed to improving the quality of life in the communities among which it operates. Through focused programs in skilling, education and nutrition, healthcare and sanitation, workforce development, and veterans’ welfare, Boeing has positively impacted more than 5 lakh lives in India over the years.
