Digital Literacy Programme

The Foundation aims to bridge the knowledge gap between rural and urban youth and build their confidence by promoting internet literacy. Access to such knowledge will ease and improve the lives of the rural youth/children and their families. After the immense success of the Life Skills program, RSSWLD decided to organize the Digital Literacy Program on the demand of Chirriyya’s. This decision was taken as the computer is playing a vital role in today world. Now in the 21st century, it becomes the lifeline. Whether you love to browse social media sites, do online shopping, online banking, one must have the knowledge of computer basics. RSSWLD’s aim was to give chiraiyyas basic knowledge so that they can explore the online world.

Once they get the basics, they can easily make their future in the computer world. Shagal Foundation is the working partner in for this program. Chiraiyyas were trained for basic computer skills and were able to computer-essential tasks. They were provided basic information about how to use E-Books, mobile, internet or new technologies. This was a five-month programme in which three separate batches (girls, boys, school students) were run. One and Hour class were met for every batch for five days a week.  The first phase of this program started on 22 July 2018 and completed on 31st December 2018. The second phase is in progress, it started on 15th January 2019 with three separate batches for girls, boys, school students.

Need Analysis

With the completion of five batches of life skill education a demand to start a digital literacy programme in the village. A need analysis was done to ensure the knowledge about the Information technology of the students. It was found that only 10% of the students had basic computer knowledge. Pamphlets were also distributed to tell the villagers about the launch of the programme. One the day of launch 159 students enrolled for the course and 58 students were chosen to complete the course.

The objectives of the project are as follows:

  1. Bridging the internet literacy gap among rural and urban youth.
  2. Providing digital education to the underprivileged section of the society.

Methodology

It was a challenge to find an appropriate place to start the programme. With the help of Basic Shiksha Adhikari office (BSA), Digital literacy program was launched in a separate room in Junior High School Neemka Block–Jewar G. B. Nagar and the room was modified as per the requirement. Room is not only painted in an innovative way but it also has a well-designed furniture. A toy library is also established in the room in order to make it more creative. A minimum of fees of Rs 50/- is charged as the registration fees from the chiraiyyas. As this programme had an enrolment of both boys and girls separate sessions are held for girls, boys, and government school students. The average digital literacy class size was 30 students per batch. The third batch was for Govt. school Students where this center was running and the duration for the course was1 year Program, not 5 months.  For this purpose, 15 laptops were purchased. The laptops are kept in the room where digital literacy classes are held.

Implementation

Before the actual start of the regular classes of the programme, Mr. Harendra (Trainer of the Digital Literacy program) was sent to Gurugram for Five days Digital literacy training organized by SAHGAL Foundation. He along with other team members of the project then finally launched the programme in the village. The course was designed with an aim to impart a basic level appreciation programme for the chiraiyyas. After completing the course the incumbent was able to the use the computer for basic purposes of preparing his personal/business letters, viewing information on Internet (the web), sending emails, using internet banking services, etc. This allowed a chiraiyyas to become digitally literate. technology. Many fun activities were also made part of the programme to improve trust and communication breaking down personal barriers such as ego, miscommunication and allow free flow of ideas and corrective actions while performing a task for the benefit of the team.

Syllabus Outline

  • Knowing computer
  • Operating Computer using GUI Based Operating System
  • Understanding Word Processing
  • Using Spread Sheet
  • Communicating using the Internet
  • WWW and web browsers
  • Using email and Skype
  • Understanding social media including Facebook and YouTube
  • Communications and Collaboration
  • Making a small presentation

Apart from the regular classes, many activities were held. Chiraiyyas were taken to BIMTECH campus many times to celebrate many special occasions. Chiraiyyas were taken to participate in Youth for Seva (Navoudit – Kids Carnival 2018-19) where they participated in many activities like – Group Dance, Waste Management, Rangoli, Yoga, Clay Art, Painting / Drawing.

Many dignitaries visited the center in order to meet chiraiyyas. A visit of 18 international students on 14th November 2018 and delegates of the International Conference on Management Cases (ICMC) on 1st December at the centre was a memorable experience for chiraiyyas.

Outcome

After the completion of the five-month project, chiraiyyas were evaluated on the basis of the final examination. Although 59 students enrolled for the course on 39 students were eligible for appearing for the examination. Of 39, 38 students passed the examination of 25 questions. The evaluation included a pre and post assessment tool. The overall result of the tool indicated 80% enhancement in the digital skills of the participants. Chiraiyyas were overwhelmed with their performance and they were in view that by improving their computer skills now they can keep in touch with friends and family, get on at work or help with further learning.

The second phase of the Digital literacy programme is running at the centre. It started on 15th January 2019 and three batches with 64 students are simultaneously running at the centre.