eVidyaloka, a leading NGO committed to transforming rural education in India, has announced the launch of its ‘EmpowerED’ program in Assam. Inaugurated by Mrs. Sudha Murty, renowned author and philanthropist, the program aims to enhance digital literacy among rural students, with a special focus on empowering girls in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBV). The program is set to impact approximately 1,200 girls across 10 residential schools in Assam, running from August 2024 to March 2027.
During the inauguration ceremony, Ravichandran V., Chairperson of eVidyaloka, stated that the launch of the ‘EmpowerED’ program marks a significant milestone in their mission to revolutionize rural education. He emphasized that by integrating digital literacy into the curriculum, the program will equip rural students with essential skills for the future, preparing them for the technological transformations ahead.
In her address to the ten participating schools, Mrs. Sudha Murty highlighted the transformative potential of digital literacy in empowering rural students, particularly girls, to become job-ready. She emphasized that knowledge of computers, combined with proficiency in English, is crucial for securing employment opportunities today. “This can make girls independent and economically strong,” she said. Mrs. Murty also took the time to interact with the children, sign books, and engage with the eVidyaloka team, acknowledging the profound impact of eVidyaloka’s initiatives on rural education.
The EmpowerED program seeks to tackle the challenges of limited access to technology, digital literacy, and gender disparity in STEM education through virtual teaching, enriched with culturally relevant content in vernacular languages. It addresses critical issues such as the shortage of computer science teachers, restricted technology access, and the gender gap in STEM fields. By equipping students with essential digital skills, the program fosters holistic development, aligns with key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and enhances the accessibility of digital learning. Additionally, by training local women in basic computer skills to serve as class assistants and support virtual volunteer teachers, the program contributes to community development and empowerment.
The EmpowerED program aims to transform rural education in Assam by integrating digital literacy for students in Grades 6 to 9. The curriculum is tailored to cover digital literacy, coding, and AI, starting with basic skills and advancing to coding and AI through a progressive learning model. Equipped with digital labs, students start with basic digital literacy in the first year, advance to an introduction to coding in the second, and gain awareness about AI topics in the third. This phased approach prepares students with knowledge for future technological challenges.
Mrs. Sudha Murty remarked, “Education is the cornerstone of a brighter future, and persevering against all odds builds resilience. I am happy that eVidyaloka is well connected to take education to remote corners of the country and engage local people to facilitate this empowerment.”
eVidyaloka has reached 1.89 lakh rural students in the last decade. It has significantly impacted rural education, reaching over 734 schools in the past year, across 14 states and 67 districts, promoting virtual teaching in over 8 languages.
