Digital Literacy is a right not a privilege
01
ICT Infrastructure
Building partnesips and/or landing sponsorships to fulfill the ICT infra needs of the selected rural schools
- Selection of rural schools
- Conducting interviews with rural school to understand their challenges
- Building a plan
- Implementing the solution
02
ICT Curriculum
Designing and Implementing ICT curriculum (For Basic, intermediate and Advanced)
- Design, Build and release ICT courses
- Conduct free online/onsite course delivery
- Online Events and Digital workshops
03
Volunteers
Inspiring and inviting volunteers to support the mission
- Delivery of onsite/online courses to respective schools
- Conducting onsite courses
- Guest speakers for Digital Workshops
We need to progress from every child’s right to education to being digitally literate, especially for young people. It should be a social norm for a 21st-century citizen. Yet there are many children/rural schools that lack the resources necessary to purchase a computer or the training required to use them.
According to the government of India, in the state of Karnataka, alone, 75% (54,871)of schools are rural schools (office of Karnataka state) that cater to millions of students. While the government along with various NGOs have been working towards improving the quality of education and increasing the accessibility of ICT in these areas, data shows that there is a large gap between expectation of these campaigns vs reality.
In line with UN sustainanable development goal number 4, digital literacy is the key to a quality education in today’s digital world.
How does ICT4Kids aim to contribute towards bridging the gap?
ICT4KIDS wants to enable underprivileged children by not only providing the much needed ICT infrastructure (computers, internet, and digital training) but also raising awareness and training opportunuties via an ICT curriculum and volunteers coaches.
Sustainability Is Key
ICT programs in schools often have not sustained beyond an initial period where the infrastructure has been provided/developed. ICT4Kids will consciously aim for sustainability, where the schools and other institutions can continue the integration of ICT beyond the initial investment period. For instance, ICT virtual camps for these schools will be organized via our volunteers.
Following a study by UNESCO, it was concluded that Context Matters. Communities from different countries and backgrounds and even schools and districts use digital technology in varying ways and for different purposes. Hence, it is important to tailor the ICT solution that aims to bridge the digital divide for individual scenarios.
ICT4KIDS enables digital development by using information and communication technology (ICT) to improve educational outcomes and provide opportunities for students in developing countries. This can include and is not limited to, the procuring of hardware, software, digital content and online curriculum required for learning by students, teachers, and even their surrounding communities.
Sources:
Office of Karnataka state project director, new public office, BANGALORE – 560001. “Education in Karnataka .” Education in Karnataka , 2011. ssakarnataka.gov.in/pdfs/data/2011-12_Analytical_Report.pdf.