I didn’t know anything about computers before. Now I can manage records digitally, email them, and talk to my seniors confidently. It has changed how I see myself.
Venkateshappa begins his day in his hometown of Sonnenahalli with a steady resolve. Each morning, he boards the bus to reach the Parivartan Skill Academy in Kolar, committed to rebuilding his life. On March 10, 2024, a road accident left him in a coma for two months and struggling with mobility. Daily routines that were once ordinary had become mountains. Medical bills drained his savings, and family responsibilities weighed heavily. Before the accident, Venkateshappa balanced multiple jobs; he taught Social Studies, distributed newspapers, taught at a church, and supervised workers at a local company. All to ensure his family was taken care of. “I had to do so many jobs to support my family before. Now I just want to regain my independence and contribute,” he shares.
Determined to do that, he enrolled at the Parivartan Skill Academy, where he joined a course to become a domestic IT helpdesk assistant. Practical exercises gave him real-world experience managing employee records attendance, and payroll. Workshops on communication, workplace etiquette, and problem-solving nurtured his confidence. Mentor guidance and peer support transformed frustration into understanding and progress. Career support sessions on resume writing, interview preparation, and workplace expectations prepared him to re-enter the workforce with confidence.
As part of the project, Venkateshappa was also provided with an assistive device, orthopedic sandals, that improved his mobility and made it easier for him to attend sessions regularly. Venkateshappa now looks ahead to opening a cyber center to teach IT skills, building a house, and supporting his sister’s marriage. The course has helped him secure a job offer from Flipkart, reinforcing his path toward returning to work.
With these new skills, I feel I can take care of my family, return to work, and plan my life again.
Note: Venkateshappa is a student of the ‘Empowerment Through Skills: Inclusive Training for Economic Independence’ program, supported and funded by HDFC Bank Parivartan and implemented by CBM India at the Parivartan Skill Academy in Kolar, Karnataka. Over three years, 1,140 young people from marginalized communities and persons with disabilities will receive NSDC-certified training in IT, retail, and life skills. Through hands-on learning, career guidance, and job placement support, participants will gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities to secure employment and build independence.
