: Keralas Nilambur, Thrissur join UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities #IndiaNEWS #India Paris: Indian city of Nilambur and Thrissur in Kerala state has joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning

Keralas Nilambur, Thrissur join UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities #IndiaNEWS #India
Paris: Indian city of Nilambur and Thrissur in Kerala state has joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.
The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities is an international policy-oriented network providing inspiration, know-how and best practice. Learning cities at all stages of development can benefit greatly from sharing ideas with other cities, as solutions for issues that arise as one learning city develops may already exist in other cities.
The UNESCO GNLC supports and improves the practice of lifelong learning in the worlds cities by promoting policy dialogue and peer learning among member cities; forging links; fostering partnerships; providing capacity development; and developing instruments to encourage and recognize progress made in building learning cities.
Nilambur is a city with various socio-economic patterns marked by an urban and rural mix. The majority of the population depends on agriculture and allied industries. It is also an eco-tourism destination in Kerala State, India.
It is a growing city whose objective is to promote sustainable development, gender equality, inclusivity and democracy through community ownership. By promoting lifelong learning, Nilambur hopes to ensure employment opportunities and (UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, zero hunger).
Nilambur also aspires to become a women-friendly city by ensuring equal opportunities in all sectors, promoting capacity-building and reducing harassment.
Lifelong learning initiatives will provide Nilambur with the tools to innovate in agriculture and handicrafts, promote eco-tourism and improve water management.
Nilambur offers free healthcare facilities to all citizens and utilizes health volunteers to provide door-to-door treatment for bedded patients. It also promotes first-aid training for students and young citizens.
Some hilly areas are facing connectivity problems: tele-medicine facilities will therefore be implemented to reach these populations.
The city is also a composite of various communities with regard to religion, caste and economy.
Marginalized groups experience challenges related to unemployment, poverty, housing, education, livelihood and connectivity.
Nilamburs learning city strategy aims to ensure equality and inclusivity by using participatory democracy and creating grassroots committees.
In a skill-gap study that was conducted to identify gaps, it was found that the focus of the study is to upskill the community to provide better employment. Another goal is to promote local business, handicrafts, agriculture and eco-tourism.
Pre-primary education is for all children below the age of six. The programme also enables adults between 15 and 50 years of age to acquire the equivalent of Grade 4 in the formal education system.