New Delhi, December 15, 2025: Pearl Academy, a leading institution for creative education, in partnership with SETU Foundation, a Noida-based NGO has empowered 260+ students with technical, creative, and professional skills that strengthen their employability and economic independence, since the beginning of their partnership. Till date, more than 100 women have been employed in job roles across Fashion Designing and Beauty & Wellness. The collaboration was inspired by a shared vision, to close the widening skill gap faced by underprivileged youth. especially women, who are often unable to access quality, industry-ready education in fashion and beauty due to financial or social constraints.
Since 2007, SETU Foundation has worked extensively in women’s education, youth empowerment, and livelihood creation, and this collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening those efforts with industry-relevant creative education. Through Pearl Academy’s CSR initiative, specialised training programmes in Fashion Design, Garment Construction, Makeup, Hair, and Grooming were designed and delivered for SETU students and trainers.
With a focus on long-term learning, Pearl Academy’s academic teams created tailored curricula aligned with modern industry needs, supported by hands-on learning models and state-of-the-art training methods. This ensured students received contemporary, market-aligned training that helps them pursue employment or launch entrepreneurial ventures within their communities.
Speaking about the collaboration, Aditi Srivastava, President, Pearl Academy said, “When we invest in women’s education, we invest in stronger families, communities and futures. Through this collaboration with SETU, Pearl Academy has designed learning pathways that are sensitive to context, build confidence and equip women with skills that support independence, self-belief and sustained livelihoods. Education, when delivered with care and purpose, has the power to change not just careers, but perspectives on life itself.”
Ravi Kaul, Director, SETU Foundation added, “This collaboration has been life-altering for our students. Pearl Academy’s structured curriculum, rigorous training, and mentorship have opened doors to livelihood opportunities that were previously out of reach. We are proud of the women who have graduated and are now contributing meaningfully to their families and the community.”
“Many graduates have already secured jobs, apprenticeships, and freelance roles with local boutiques, garment units, beauty studios, and retail stores. Encouragingly, several women have also launched their own small-scale ventures, from home-based boutiques to beauty services, helping strengthen local markets and boost household incomes.” he added.
The impact of the initiative has been monitored since its first phase in 2017. Pearl Academy’s feedback-driven approach ensures regular inputs from students and trainers, enabling continuous improvement and long-term sustainability. Both institutions are exploring avenues for scaling the partnership across new regions to reach more learners and deepen the social impact. Pearl Academy and SETU foundation remain committed to expanding this model and reinforcing the belief that creativity, skills, and opportunity together can spark lasting social transformation.
