United Technologies and SOS Children's Villages Announce 'Project Vidya'

United Technologies Corporation (UTC) in partnership with SOS Children's Villages India, today launched 'Project Vidya' to support the education of eight hundred children living in SOS Children's Villages, across nine cities.

'Project Vidya' will offer children at the SOS Children's Villages access to quality education, mentoring and additional support to facilitate improved academic performance.

This initiative will be instrumental in paving the way toward a sustainable livelihood and financial self-reliance for these children.

'Project Vidya' was formally launched from SOS Children's Village, Greenfields, Faridabad by Palash Roy Chowdhury, Head - CSR Council, UTC India and Rakesh Jinsi, Secretary General, SOS Children's Villages India.

The initiative will support children between the ages of 4 and 21 years, across the SOS Villages at Faridabad, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Alibaug (near Mumbai), Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi, Bhubaneshwar and Bhimtal (Uttarakhand).

In addition, UTC employees in India will also spend time and share their knowledge and expertise with the children through the company's employee volunteer program.

Speaking at the launch, Roy Chowdhury said, "At United Technologies, corporate and environmental responsibility is at the heart of our business. This includes promoting growth and vitality in the communities where we operate. Formal education is the most significant means to providing children with the knowledge and life skills necessary for their advancement, and UTC is proud to partner with SOS Children's Villages in this

initiative. The family environment at SOS Children's Villages provides self-assurance to the children, which is the cornerstone of each child fulfilling his or her potential."

Added Jinsi, "We are delighted to partner with United Technologies to provide quality education to our children, thus enabling them to become active contributors to societal progress as they grow up. And with the UTC employee volunteer program, the children will benefit from the guidance and first-hand experience of UTC employees thus providing further impetus to this initiative."

The event was also marked by the unveiling of the Project Vidya logo and a painting competition by the children at the Village.