Zanskar, as of now, is connected via routes from Leh, and Manali. Due to high passes, all of them remain closed during 6 months of winter. The education system naturally bears the brunt of the climate. The students have to walk on tough hiking routes to attend schools in the villages, which reduce the attendance by large. Families are big, and the occupations are limited. Farming is a tough pursuit, and that compels the young children to join parents in the process. As a result, the school dropout number is huge. These individuals are uncertain on their future; and end up in taking petty jobs for livelihood.

Government of India, and UT of Ladakh, both have a focus on renewable energy-based solutions and plan to improve conventional grids, and Solar Plant based infrastructure of Ladakh. But due to inadequate Skilled manpower, the plan to create a cleaner and greener future is a challenge. GHE on the other hand has been installing Solar microgrids in the remote villages of Ladakh along with plans to train the youth on Solar. This laid a framework for a short duration, practical learning workshop on Solar equipment.

GHE soon found a willing CSR partner to bring the plan into reality. The summer of 2022 saw a first ever practical learning workshop for the youth of Zanskar valley. 38 youth from 21 outlying villages gathered in Padum with a hope of a better future. For the first time in the history, the school dropouts were at the center of such an activity.

The idea was followed by a rigorous planning, and execution phase. GHE signed MOUs with Power department, and District Skill Committee to ensure maximum reach. Our local team left no stone unturned to reach to the villages. They even collected the information on paper at some of the places. To our own surprise, 86 people applied to be the part of the program. Majority of the applicants had the education qualification as 10th and 12th. Even the skill department was astonished to see the positive response. The numbers testified that we were in the right direction. We made rounds of calls to understand the expectations, and orientation of the participants.

The atmosphere during the workshop was even more charged up. GHE’s lead technician explained the nuances of the Solar equipment in the native language. The participants were trained on Solar grids, Solar water heater, and Solar streetlights by GHE. In addition, Assistant Engineer, Power also shared his practical knowledge on power generation, distribution, and safety.

The success of the program can be gauged from the fact that there was no single drop out from it. Not only the students, but also the parents, administration, and support staff were happy at the effort. The event saw participation from every section of the society. The principle of the only degree college visited the participants to share his views on the scope of such practical learning.

Overall, it was a collaborated effort by all the stakeholders. We have shared the data with the skill, power, and local administration of UT of Ladakh to ensure that the talent pool is well consumed in projects, and jobs. We also had a surprise for the students. 7 attendees joined us on the live electrification project where three villages got AC Solar grids individually. These trainees not only gained the practical knowledge but also earned their first income. One of them is awarded with a maintenance contract, whereas another will be supported in opening a service center by GHE. Overall it was a dream come true for everyone, which laid a path for entrepreneurship, and income opportunities in the region.

The true form of development for a region. can only be achieved if the youth are empowered and skilled to create a better future for their own region. Creating Jobs is important but creating Entrepreneurs is the need of the hour