Last Updated: 2025.03.24
UNIQLO Launches its First Community Development Project in India - In partnership with Plan International, project aims to contribute to Indian society, change lives by providing vocational training to vulnerable young people
UNIQLO CO., LTD.
to Japanese page
Global apparel retailer UNIQLO, in collaboration with Plan International, today announces the launch of the Job Oriented Vocational Training Centre, its first ongoing community development project in India. The three-year project will provide practical training and business skills to vulnerable young people, particularly women, with an aim to enable participants to obtain employment.
The Job Oriented Vocational Training Centre is located in Dwarka, New Delhi, and will offer practical skills training in three main areas: general nursing and care assistant services, retail, and sewing machine operation. In addition, the 45-60 day courses will also offer training in soft skills such as digital and financial literacy, gender equality and diversity, and workplace communication, as well as job placement support and follow-up. The project is funded through a donation by UNIQLO parent company Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. of JPY 120 million over three years.
Kenji Inoue, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of UNIQLO India, commented, "Inspired by our LifeWear philosophy of making everyone's life better, we hope this vocational training project will have a life-changing, positive impact for thousands of young Indian people. It is a fundamental for UNIQLO that we always contribute to society in every country and region in which we operate, and this new project represents our long-term commitment to the Indian community. Education is an integral part of individual and societal development and, working with Plan International, we look forward to providing opportunities to empower young people."
This skill centre project is funded through UNIQLO's PEACE FOR ALL project, which was launched in 2022. Through this project, all profits from sales of charity T-shirts are donated to international aid organisations, who use funding for targeted development projects around the globe.
Participants for the skill centre will be job seekers aged 18-29 living in economically disadvantaged areas of Delhi. Particular priority will be given to young people who have dropped out of school, whose parents/family members are migrant workers, who are in poverty, who have limited opportunities to find employment or receive vocational training.
The project will run until December 2027, with the aim of providing 2,700 young people with technical skills and the tools to navigate the complexities of the professional world. Furthermore, UNIQLO is exploring internship opportunities at its stores and facilities for participants of the program, providing hands-on industry experience.
Mohammed Asif, Executive Director, Plan International (India Chapter), said that "With the launch of the new Saksham [Skill] Centre, Plan, along with UNIQLO, will be creating opportunities for young women and men to gain market-oriented skills, secure sustainable livelihoods, and become active contributors to nation building. This initiative aligns with our commitment to quality education, gender equality, and work & economic growth. We are grateful to our partner UNIQLO for their support in making this vision a reality."
As a further demonstration of UNIQLO's strong commitment to fostering community engagement, UNIQLO employees will also be actively involved in the initiative, visiting the center to share their knowledge, offer mentorship, and help participating youth develop both professional and personal skills that are crucial for success. Through this initiative, UNIQLO hopes to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people and create a more inclusive and prosperous society.
