Uber announces partnership with UNESCO to vaccinate teachers in Tamil Nadu

US-based technology company Uber today announced its partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to offer 100,000 rides to teachers in Tamil Nadu, to make their commute to vaccination centers easier and safer. 

According to the company, These rides will help 25,000 teachers across Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, and Chennai to get access to vaccination centres. Further, Each teacher will be provided a unique and redeemable promo code through which they can avail four rides to and from the nearest vaccination centre in their area.

The maximum redeemable value of each ride will be Rs 300 and the offer will be valid till 31st December 2021, the company said in a statement.

The pandemic has not only underscored the challenges faced by teachers but has also highlighted the leadership, creativity, and innovations needed to mitigate COVID-19’s impact on learning, particularly on students from disadvantaged and vulnerable communities, the company added.

Earlier this year, Uber had partnered with UNESCO to offer 1 million free rides with the aim of removing transportation barriers to accessing vaccinations for teachers around the world.

Vaccinating teachers will facilitate a quicker reopening of schools for the benefit of students in Tamil Nadu, the company adds.

Speaking on the development, Eric Falt, Director and UNESCO Representative to Bhutan, India, Maldives & Sri Lanka, said:

"We are very pleased to partner with Uber and contribute to the global initiative to remove barriers of safe transportation to vaccination centres. This is extremely timely and will ensure that teachers are prioritized for the COVID-19 vaccine as the country recovers from the second wave of the pandemic. We hope this will not only speed up the reopening of schools to get back to ‘in person’ learning but will also provide safety to teachers, their communities, and students as well.”

Additionally, This will also help Uber drivers to boost their earning opportunities. This development is part of the larger global commitment made by Uber to donate 10 million free rides to help make sure that transportation is not a barrier to getting the vaccine.

Also Read:

• Uber India announces COVID support to communities through Uber Connect

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