One of the largest initiatives in response to the Tsunami disaster was launched by HOPE foundation, in collaboration with Manpower Inc., USA at Nagapattinam, a district which witnessed three-quarters of the fatalities that occurred in Tamil Nadu. The collaboration has produced the establishment of two Vocational Training Centers at Tharangambadi and Nagapattinam with a focus on local requirements and developing the local economy. The Manpower program is especially encouraging because it has a 15-year sustainability plan designed by Exec. Director Mark Templer in close consultation with the excellent Manpower team. Ian Coorea, Chief Development Officer, has worked hard to leverage additional partnerships to truly make this a team effort. Mark noted, "Manpower's leadership in the US and India really wants CSR to be part of the culture of their company. I have seen the deep sincerity of their people, from the CEO Jeff Joerres, Charles Bartels (Director of Global Social Responsibility and Knowledge Sharing, to all their great Indian team." According to Manpower Executive Chairman, Soumen Basu, “What differentiates this project from others is its unique development model - long term focus and commitment (15 years), in order to make a sustainable impact with significant investment in infrastructure at sites (permanent buildings, computers, equipment) and the investment in the project will have a ripple effect on the local economy – net economic benefit could be 10 -15 times the total contribution. It is planned that nearly 10,000 students will graduate in the first 10 years. The plan also includes the creation of self-help groups and providing them with seed money to create at least 70 small businesses for women in Tharangambadi village.” The two vocational training centres train young men and women in different professional courses, like computers, masonry, sewing, mobile repairing, electrical fittings and others.
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