YES Program (Youngst Educational Support)

This programme is targeted at young employees (16 to 25 years old) who wish to pursue their studies and develop their personal skills while working. English and computing courses are in particularly high demand. In China, collaborations with universities and training centres have been developed to run these courses.

For the development of these YES Programmes, Switcher cooperates actively with Swisscontact, an NGO based in Zurich.

Subjects taught in 2006

• English (written and spoken)
• Civics
• Health programme:
  The health programme was introduced to teach workers the benefits of being in good health as well as the need to maintain hygiene in the workplace and in the dormitories. This year, the themes were personal hygiene, first aid, medication for young children, dietetics and a healthy diet, and illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes
• Science
• Literature
• Yoga:
  This course was organised to help employees increase their concentration powers and their self-confidence, and to enable them to be relaxed in their minds. The employees actively participate in this course
• Computing:
  Computing has become a must in everyday life. The BeauSoleil Alpine College donated 10 computers for the Yes Programme, five of which are set up at Prem Classic Mills, three at Prem Durai Unit I and two in the dyeing department. The instruction received by the employees enables them to improve their standard of living. Books on computing are available for the workers in the classrooms. So that as many employees as possible may benefit from these courses, three new computers have been purchased, two of which are for PVK Knitwear and one for Prem Unit II.
• General knowledge
• Arts and crafts:
  Arts and crafts courses have been introduced to bring to light the workers' artistic and creative talents. In this course, they can create bags with thread or in nylon, scarves, etc. The employees take part enthusiastically and learn how a pastime could help them in the future
• Electricity and electronics workshop:
  The themes "electricity and electronics" have been introduced in all the units and are very popular. Nowadays, the use of electronic products has dramatically increased. The main themes address the methodologies to repair radios, television sets, audio systems, mixers, etc. This may help employees become entrepreneurs in the future
• Sewing:
  It is interesting to note that most of the employees who work in the spinning mill come from remote areas of the Tamil Nadu. As the majority of these women cease work when they are married, sewing classes will enable them to earn a little money at that time