Learning about govt schemes through Pave the Way project

Meet Chandiresh Asaithambi, a 16-year-old Grade 10 student enrolled in the Purpose Academy program, is leading the 'Pave the Way' initiative. His project is fundamentally changing the lives of construction workers in India by providing them with financial literacy, insurance, and access to government schemes. Chandiresh has been selected to showcase his project at the 7th 1M1B Activate Impact Summit at the United Nations on 30 November 2023.

What inspired you to start the project 'Pave the Way'?

Growing up with my father deeply entrenched in the construction industry, I've always had a unique connection with the world of construction laborers. I've often visited their living quarters and wondered about the unequal opportunities some individuals have. When I joined The Purpose Academy, it gave me a direction on how I could help these labourers. Because of the lockdown, countless construction laborers were left stranded without food or work. In desperation, many embarked on impossible journeys to try and go back home, tragically, over 8,700 individuals lost their lives on railway tracks alone. Witnessing and learning about this crisis, I knew I had to act. While I underwent the Purpose Academy, I decided I wanted to provide financial literacy to construction workers, so that they never face such dire circumstances again and are prepared. That’s how “Pave the Way” was born.

What are the tools that you are using to reach the audience?

I employ a multifaceted approach to reach our target audience effectively. The tools we utilize are tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of construction laborers in India. I use multilingual animated education modules and workshops to teach financial literacy in an easy-to-understand manner for workers. So far, I have taught over 200 workers about financial literacy. Furthermore, after seeing the lack of awareness about helpful government schemes, I have helped over 500 workers sign up for the BOCW government scheme, giving them many benefits, including healthcare, financial aid, education benefits, and insurance.

How are you helping the construction workers through this project?

"Project Pave the Way" is a game-changer for construction workers in India, empowering them with financial literacy, insurance, and insight into government schemes. Take Ramesh, for instance, a laborer grappling with financial strain and family responsibilities. Through the initiative, Ramesh gained essential knowledge about finance, government programs, and the significance of the BOCW card. Armed with this newfound understanding, he accessed crucial government schemes, ensuring his family's welfare with healthcare, education, and social security. Ramesh's journey mirrors many others, underscoring how "Project Pave the Way" instills hope and stability in the lives of those vital to our nation's infrastructure. By providing tools and resources, it breaks the cycle of poverty, enabling them to thrive.

What are your plans for the project?

'Project Pave the Way' envisions an ambitious future. The ongoing efforts involve crafting an all-encompassing online platform and app. This digital space aims to consolidate financial literacy resources, government scheme information, and connections to beneficial organizations, simplifying access for construction workers. This initiative empowers them to confidently manage their financial paths. Furthermore, our focus extends to a research paper exploring inventive methods to optimize the BOCW scheme. By incentivizing contracts, refining procedures, and broadening accessibility, aim to ensure more workers benefit from the government's assistance.