Distinct Steps Foundation has powered up its engagement in India’s travel and tourism sector with a slew of related partnerships. The projects that have emerged from these collaborations have been pivotal for women empowerment, socio-economic community development for the underserved, mindful education, preservation of crafts and skilling, conservation of wildlife and the environment etc. Responsible Tourism, community engagement, sustainable support and a visionary outlook have underpinned all these activities.
Through its partnership with ACCESS DEVELOPMENT Services Distinct Steps Foundation has created one of its most impactful socio-economic programmes. The Pink City Rickshaw Company, now operated by a group of underserved women in Jaipur, has scripted a unique story in the city’s tourism pursuits. The Foundation sought to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for women from lower income households through tourism-linked employment and economic independence in the Pink City. The immense support extended to support this women-led e-rickshaw initiative has resulted in enormous tangible rewards for their families and the city’s environmental agenda. This compelling story of successful ownership and leadership and skilling is being replicated in Agra and Varanasi as a long-term plan.
The Foundation’s Go Green agenda is a delightful fusion of fun and sustainable significance as an organizational activity. Firmly embedded in its long-term environmental goals, the Go Green Celebrations— Employees Tree Plan was launched in partnership with Grow-Trees.com. This compelling, deeply inclusive initiative pivots on promoting the planting of 5 trees in the name of every employee in the organization to celebrate their birthdays. In return employees are presented with a plantation certificate with warm birthday wishes. The certificate also provides the geo-location of the site, allowing them to track the wellbeing of the trees planted in their names. This initiative has gained numerous plaudits for its celebratory nature and focus on creating a tangible and long-lasting contribution to a greener tomorrow to offset carbon emissions.
The Women on Wheels initiative promoted by the Distinct Steps Foundation has expanded its model across the cities of Agra, Varanasi and Jaipur. By providing both electric rickshaws and structured training to the underserved women of their society have brought new hope and the promise of economic stability to them and their families. The project has helped leave a determinable impress on their socio-economic status as important contributors to the family income. This empowerment is also reflected in their own growing confidence, mobility and decision-making stature in the family unit. The power these women wield, even if in some small measure in the tourism sector, has truly been a game changer for them. It has been further amplified by the growing demand for their services as a sustainable option by hotels, travel partners and visitors in these cities.
The Foundation’s expansive support of the Children of the World Delhi initiative has been one of its most significant projects. It has served as an enabling force to the initiative which is focused on providing education, nutrition and a safe nurturing environment for the children living in challenging circumstances The Foundation makes Christmas truly special for these kids from vulnerable backgrounds in an effort to nurture confidence, happiness and sense of belonging, by ensuring they feel celebrated, validated and an integral part of society.
The deep partnership with the Sambhali Trust in Jodhpur is aimed to empower marginalized women in Rajasthan through education, vocational skills and avenues for economic independence. The 12-month vocational programme provides a base for skilling handicrafts and sewing. Graduates are then presented with sewing machines and certificates to help establish independent tailoring businesses to enhance the family income.
The Foundation has partnered with AADI-Action for Ability Development & I with an aim to help bring light into the lives of communities with diverse abilities by making them feel valued, skilled and enabled to participate fully in life. Skilling is provided in block printing and creative crafts. This not only helps build their confidence but equips them with artisanal skills to drive economic independence. The Foundation extends its support to AADI by sourcing the handmade products as gifts for clients and guests. This provides them with market visibility, market opportunities and a growing sense of inclusivity.
Through its partnership with its FTO and Just a Drop the Foundation has been supporting an immensely important initiative that benefits 323 residents of Daha village in Madhya Pradesh. With the borewell now in place, the next step involves installing pipelines and connecting them to the school and village households. The Foundation’s support of this project has been critical in helping provide access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene to rural communities.
TOFTigers has been a driving force in the protection of tiger habitats across India. The Foundation has played an immense supporting role in its activities for getting lodges and travel operators to embrace sustainability and conservation practices needed to help protect the fragile wilderness ecosystems which are critical for their survival. The project also involves a deep-rooted agenda for the economic empowerment of the communities that are an extension of these environments by promoting responsible tourism.
The Foundation has been closely involved in the activities of the Wildlife SOS India which projects the ethical rescue to wildlife denizens, elephant and bears included, which have endured captivity, abuse or unsafe working conditions. Through its own activities the Foundation has made inroads in creating greater public awareness around ethical wildlife treatment and responsible tourism.
Amongst its most rewarding projects has been the Foundation’s support of Craftales by Chicky. The endeavour, led by Neha and HR professional, promotes essential skill development of crafts amongst housemaids and their children. This community led agenda instills a sense of stability, confidence and economic independence in their lives. The Foundation has sourced their products for gifting for its employees during Diwali. It also aims to expand their activities to help build up its potential as a sustainable resource for a wider market.
Naya Savera School has proven to be one of the Foundation’s most enduring projects involved in creating a safe and engaging educational environment with sustained support for both students and teachers. The Foundation has lent its support also with a power backup to ensure uninterrupted power supply during school hours.
The Foundation’s commitment to support the preservation of India’s cultural heritage, its deep engagement with environmental health, its support of underserved communities and its drive for sustainable tourism solutions continue to script a compelling narrative.