AkzoNobel India, the maker of Dulux paints, marked three years of its transformative initiative, Project Revive, which has empowered over 800 drug-rehabilitated youth in Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh. Through skill-building in decorative painting, the program has enabled these individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and financial independence.
Launched in Manipur in December 2021 in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and NGO partner Makers Foundation, Project Revive provided vocational training to youth across 21 Drug Rehabilitation Centers (DRCs) in five districts. Graduates of the program were offered employment opportunities, with post-training support to minimize relapse risks. Inspired by its success, the initiative expanded to Assam in 2023 and Arunachal Pradesh in 2024, benefiting 840 individuals across the three states.
In Imphal, the project has had a significant impact on the local market. The demand for skilled painters has risen, with many trainees now offering professional services in home and commercial painting. Their contributions not only uplift their families but also stimulate economic activity in the region, proving the power of rehabilitation through skill-building. AkzoNobel’s efforts were recognized at the 2nd North East CSR Awards 2024 in Guwahati, where Project Revive received a Special Mention for its role in sustainable development. Executive Director RohitTotla stated, “Every second trainee is now an independent professional painter, inspiring their communities to break free from dependency and build brighter futures.”