Shaping Leaders: Lila Poonawalla and IKEA Foundation Empower Pune’s Girls with Scholarships
In the heart of Pune’s disadvantaged communities, the Lila Poonawalla Foundation (LPF) is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of young women through education. Committed to fostering academic excellence, especially in the sciences, LPF’s scholarships are lifting the financial burdens that often prevent girls from reaching their full potential.
At a recent scholarship ceremony, Per Heggens, CEO of the IKEA Foundation, and his wife Karen were present to celebrate the achievements of these young scholars. Heggens, a staunch supporter of LPF, reiterated his dedication to breaking down the financial barriers that hinder young women from accessing education. Through the IKEA Foundation, part of the Stichting INGKA Foundation, girls from around the world, including India, are provided with essential resources that can drastically alter the course of their lives.
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Lila Poonawalla, LPF’s co-founder and a prominent corporate leader, proudly recounted the foundation's success stories. Many of the scholarship recipients have not only achieved academic and professional success but have also become pillars of strength in their communities, driving positive change and contributing to global sustainability initiatives.
Priti Khare, the CEO of LPF, underscored the foundation’s ongoing commitment to empowering academically gifted but financially challenged girls, preparing them to take on leadership roles in the future. LPF’s support encompasses more than just financial aid; it also includes comprehensive programs that focus on skill-building, mentorship, and personal development. Over the past 27 years, with the support of various corporate partners and donors, LPF has enabled 12,800 girls to pursue their educational aspirations.
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At the ceremony, 128 girls from underprivileged backgrounds, including those from farming families, households with single parents, and others, were recognized for their achievements. This year, LPF aims to provide over 1,000 scholarships across Pune, Wardha, Amravati, Nagpur, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, furthering its mission to help more young women fulfill their dreams and become future leaders.
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