Let's Connect For A Cause

We live in a world where lack of innovation can lead to one’s extinction. The question that one should ask here is whether innovation leads to the creation of breakthrough products or does it help execute the current ideas differently?

Today India as a country is gripped with the problem of educating its vast population. A firm command over the English language along with proficiency in computers can help the people of this nation move forward. One simple solution to tackle this problem is to generate enough teachers and resources that are able and willing to spread their knowledge in these respective fields. The sheer lack of such resources has made the growth of this country stagnant.

In order to change our existing situation it is important to adapt to the new age technology and innovations. One of the best solutions is the use of video tutorials-either online or offline. This method can lead to better and faster communication and spread of knowledge. But in a country where renting or owning a space is so very expensive, it becomes extremely difficult to create such a set up. Other problems such as weak Internet and electricity connections again cause hindrance to the smooth delivery of knowledge driven by technology.

So what is the real solution? Its time we observe our surroundings. Mobile phones can be an extremely effective and efficient solution. A mobile phone is the most penetrated product in every part of the country from the remotest village to the most popular urban area. We have all the statistics of the world for this product, yet how efficiently do we use it?

We have phones with inbuilt software and games. Here is an idea- Why not use these inbuilt features as our strength? Why not make it official for every mobile phone (irrespective of 2G, 2.5G, 3G, 4G, or 5G) to have a dictionary or a “word search” or “unscramble the words” game?

Children irrespective of their age or literacy level are able to operate mobile phones efficiently. Along with playing games like “Angry birds” or “Fruit Ninja” etc. Why don’t we use this phone to improve one’s vocabulary and software skills?

Mobile phones can be a medium to reach out to a large number of people so lets find ways to use this product for making a social change. Let us work together to be the change we want to see.

This article is written by JZ a volunteer with CACR a education non-profit working in inner-city schools of Mumbai,India.

As a member of Enactus H.R College of Commerce and Economics I am happy to have volunteered for the computer literacy program organized by Ngo CACR in BMC (inner city) schools of Mumbai. The program, created by IIT Bombay, aims to bridge the digital divide in India, imparting basic IT skills to school and college students.

Volunteering for the program enabled me to embark on a memorable journey of unadulterated joy and inspired me to such an extent that I will fondly remember this experience forever.

Our batch of three volunteered at the Adarsh Nagar municipal school ,Worli and taught the students of the 6^th Standard. The enthusiasm and zeal of the students was truly breathtaking!

HOW WAS IT DONE?

Our first step was talking to the headmaster and explaining how our program would benefit the students. He was receptive to our ideas and gladly agreed to co-operate. We were subsequently introduced to the computer teacher, who would be present with us during our program and who would assume responsibility after we had fulfilled our commitment of 9-10 workshops in this school.

Our aim is to make the school authorities independent to carry on and move on to cover the next class/school.

DAY 1-We started our session with 6^th standard students who were surprisingly well versed with the basics of computers. They were familiar with the components of a computer and were adept at basic functions such as ‘Cut Copy Paste’, but when asked to come forward and demonstrate, they were hesitant and appeared slightly perplexed about the procedures to be followed. We showed them a few videos on how to maneuver the software.This was held in the school’s Audio-visual room. The students took down notes and made a list of all the steps and instructions shown to them, since they were told that they would have to do it themselves the following day.

THE Audio-Visual Room

DAY 2- The Practical session-it was time to put the knowledge that they had acquired on the previous day into action. We divided them into groups of two and started it off step by step. A vast majority of the students had their books open and were tirelessly trying to achieve the desired result, although some of them were reluctant to do anything unless ‘Didi’ or ‘Sir’ (the terms used to address us) was standing next to them. It soon turned into a jolly competition as to who could format their document better.

They used our teachings to good effect and we noticed that they knew a lot more on their departure as compared to their arrival. Once all of them had created the document, we conducted a mini test. We asked them to show us how they did it, and surprisingly all of them were able to answer our questions satisfactorily. They smiled every time they heard a "very good" or a "bahut acha". Subsequently they saved their documents and rushed to the AV room where we had a small quiz session. Every correct answer fetched them a couple of chocolates...and we witnessed a marvelous sight! All the students had their hands raised up, ready to answer and even demonstrate if necessary! Their computer teacher sat there with a smile on seeing his class. He said they were never that enthusiastic about studying before.

In Summation

The principal, who was present during the quiz, said that he was glad to see us make a difference in the lives of his students in just 2 days.

He clicked a few pictures for his school book with the chirpy children and as we left he said “ए क दिन ये बच्चे आस्मान छुएंगे और आप जैसे लोग उनकी मुस्कान के लिए जिम्मेदार होंगे ” {One day these kids will reach the sky and do-gooders like you will be responsible for their smiles}.

We were ecstatic at hearing these words from such a reputable and dignified man.

Happy Moments with Volunteers

In conclusion, I would like to say that CACR through their CLP is changing lives and building future entrepreneurs. Computers are the basis of today’s modernized and technologically fast-moving world. By introducing these little children to the basics, we feel like we are making a huge difference to their lives by taking them closer to a brighter and more promising future.

It gives me great pride in saying that I was a part of this initiative and I hope a lot more of us are able to contribute to projects like these. If our program has inspired even one child, then I will regard it as a success.

Thanks,

Rochelle Soares

Enactus -H.R. College of Commerce and Economics.

Part of social initiatives department of HR college.
To know about our work click HERE