IDRF partner since: 2018
- Focus Area: Education
- Location: Learning centers in 16 states
- Project Title:Computer literacy and digital skills for the underprivileged children
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Details: In today’s world of rapid developments in technology, there are still hundreds and thousands of marginalized in India that neither have access nor afford computer literacy and skills to better their lives. The government schemes are mostly available online, which people from under-served communities are unable to access. IDRF is funding to continue a unique program in partnership with Computer Shiksha to impart computer knowledge and skills to the underserved children, who can use technology for the betterment of their lives in every possible way.
The computer literacy program began in April 2013, with just 15 laptops taken in a vehicle to 60 poor school-going children to train them in the beginners level course (31 to 62 weeks), followed by advanced-level course (24 weeks).
The success and popularity of this program led to the implementation of Stage-2 in April 2016. The partner schools are provided with refurbished computers to conduct classes using course content (in multiple languages), self-learning videos, teachers’ manuals, hardware, and upkeep. The classes are monitored live on the internet and students are evaluated periodically for certification. The NGO also delivers computer education to poor students pursuing higher education. Currently, 100,000+ students in 16 states of India are availing of these computer classes at 560 schools. Another great benefit of the program is that the IT infrastructure laid can be used by multiple organizations to impart various kinds of learning modules in the future.
IDRF partner provides lifetime maintenance support for all hardware and software through trained manpower and a helpline. The success of this program has led to requests for the expansion of this model to other countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Barbados, etc.
Children proudly showing off their computer course completion certificates
Teachers from 22 schools in Jalaun district, Uttar Pradesh completed their computer training course (August 2021)
