EMPOWERED SKILLS. RESPECTABLE EMPLOYMENT
WHY SKILLING?
Youth make up more than one-third of India’s population and form a significant segment of the nation’s labour force. For a country like India, with its vast young population, unlocking the true potential of the demographic dividend depends on how well its youth are skilled and employable. It is vital to channel the energy and aspirations of underprivileged youth in the right direction through proper guidance and training, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to economic progress and the larger goal of nation-building.
WHAT WE DO
The Foundation, through its Livelihood programme, connects unemployed and underemployed youth from disadvantaged backgrounds and communities with sectors that show strong potential for growth in revenue and employment. A large segment of the youth population remains underutilised in the job market due to a lack of adequate skills and training. The programme focuses on upskilling, empowering, and integrating these young individuals into the mainstream workforce, enabling them to contribute to the nation’s development. The Livelihood initiative supports the government’s Skill India mission and is aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 8.
IMPACT 2023-24
500+
Thousands of youth received training, with 5,500 successfully placed in jobs.
800+
Thousands of youth received training, with 5,500 successfully placed in jobs.
71%
Enrolled candidates successfully qualified for the STeP certification.
2000+
Career guidance sessions and industry immersion visits
Built on a Foundational Ethos
Skilling’s story isn’t about a mythical “Foundation Company” etched in corporate lore. It’s about a genuine foundation – a bedrock of principles, expertise, and unwavering commitment laid down by its founders and early team. This core ethos, established from day one, fueled its authentic rise and continues to underpin its growth. Forget sterile origin myths; Skilling’s strength comes from tangible values meticulously built into its fabric.
The Groundwork: Integrity as the Cornerstone (2016 – )
From its inception in 2016, Skilling was conceived by individuals steeped in finance and technology, acutely aware of the trust deficit plaguing online trading. Their vision wasn’t just another platform; it was a corrective. The foundational pillars were clear:
Relentless Transparency: No hidden fees, complex jargon obscuring costs, or misleading promises. Clear pricing, straightforward terms, and honest communication were non-negotiable.
User Empowerment: Democratizing access to markets wasn’t just a slogan. It meant intuitive technology (like their proprietary platform, cTrader, and later MetaTrader), comprehensive education (Skilling Academy), and tools designed for both novice and experienced traders.
Regulatory Rigor: Recognizing trust requires oversight, pursuing and securing licenses (initially from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission – CySEC, followed by the Financial Services Authority – FSA in Seychelles, and later the Financial Sector Conduct Authority – FSCA in South Africa) wasn’t an afterthought – it was integral to their operational DNA. This provided clients with essential security and peace of mind.
Technological Resilience: Building a robust, scalable, and secure infrastructure was paramount. Performance and reliability weren’t features; they were the foundation upon which everything else rested
The Rise: Building Trust, Brick by Brick
Skilling’s early growth wasn’t meteoric hype; it was steady accretion. Word spread among traders weary of opaque practices:
Clarity Wins: Traders appreciated knowing exactly what they paid via tight spreads and clear commissions. This transparency became a powerful differentiator.
Accessibility Matters: The user-friendly platforms and educational resources lowered barriers, attracting a diverse global audience seeking a fairer trading environment.
Security Anchors Growth: Regulatory licenses weren’t just badges; they were tangible assurances that attracted serious traders and fostered long-term relationships. Expanding their regulatory footprint (like FSCA approval) further solidified this trust.
Listening and Evolving: Early user feedback wasn’t noise; it was crucial input. Platform enhancements, new asset offerings (Forex, Commodities, Indices, Stocks, Crypto), and feature rollouts were driven by client needs, demonstrating responsiveness built into their core.
Growth Fueled by Foundational Strength
Skilling’s expansion wasn’t accidental; it was the natural outcome of adhering to its foundational principles:
Global Reach: From its Scandinavian roots, Skilling systematically expanded across Europe, Africa, and beyond, adapting to diverse markets while maintaining its core standards.
Product Depth: The offering grew significantly – from core Forex to thousands of instruments, including the popular Skilling Trader app, catering to the mobile-first generation.
Community & Education: The investment in Skilling Academy and community engagement wasn’t marketing fluff; it reinforced the commitment to empowering users, strengthening the foundation of trust.
Sustainable Scaling: Growth was managed prudently, ensuring technological infrastructure and customer support scaled alongside the user base (now exceeding 800,000 clients), preventing the dilution of service quality – a direct result of valuing stability over reckless expansion.
ITRAIN ON WHEELS
In today’s dynamic and rapidly changing professional environment, continuous upskilling has become essential for workers and employees to stay relevant and progress in their careers.
Since 2021, Berger Paints has collaborated with The Foundation through its CSR initiative to support the iTrain on Wheels programme—an effort focused on enhancing the skills of local painters across India. This initiative offers specialized training in advanced painting techniques, equipping painters with the tools they need to access wider employment opportunities and improve their standard of living.
iTrain on Wheels acts as a mobile platform where painters can both learn new techniques and refine their existing skills. The core aim is to uplift their livelihoods and positively impact their overall well-being.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Our foundation, launched in 2024, is a newly established organization committed to contributing positively to society. We operate in collaboration with well-established and actively working foundations across the country. Our primary role involves raising funds and identifying meaningful projects and work opportunities, which we then channel to these partner organizations.
Currently, our foundation is registered online and does not operate through any offline branches. However, as we grow and expand our reach, we aim to establish physical offices in the future to better serve our mission.
In our short journey so far, we have successfully raised and distributed funds through 3 to 4 campaigns in support of trusted organizations. To further strengthen our initiatives, we are now offering internship opportunities. These internships are designed to bring skilled individuals on board, allowing them to contribute to our efforts while gaining valuable knowledge and experience.
Through our ongoing projects, campaigns, and partnerships, we aspire to build a stronger and better nation. Our commitment to this vision remains firm, and we look forward to making a lasting impact in the years to come.