The Intel® Learn Program is designed to encourage and develop 21st century skills, like technology literacy, critical thinking and problem solving among the learners. Under the community development initiative, Intel Learn Program has trained more than 64,000 children across 22 states and 4 Union territories of India. In Kerala around 45,000 children have been benefited by this program. Intel, through its Learn Program has made an effort to reach out to children and adolescents aged 8-16 years, in communities with limited or no access to technology.  

Intel had organized 32 Block festivals in 8 districts of Kerala to enable more children to benefit from the Program. The 8 implementing districts are - Malappuram, Calicut, Kannur, Kasargode, Thrisure, Ernakulum, Kollam and Pathanamthitta.The state wide block fests were inaugurated on the 18th of September, the function was organized at Akshaya Centre Nettor. The goal of the block festival is to spread awareness about the Intel® Learn Program and to reach out to maximum number of children in order to help them develop skills that will empower them to be successful in future.

Learners Showcasing Certificates in a Block Fest in Ernakulum

The event was set off by various dignitaries like Dr. Ajay Kumar, Secretary, IT Department, Government of Kerala, Sri. Chengara Surendran, Member of Parliament from Kollam, Mr. Ganesh Parakkatta, Standing Committee Chairman, Madhur Panchayat, Sri. T. Geeta, Block President, Sasthamcotta to name a few. Intel representatives, Panchayat leaders, Akshaya Centre staff members, students and teachers participated in the block fests.

During the festival, the program background, updates and status were shared by the Intel Learn team . Interactive workshops were organized for the representatives of various schools, in which the participants shared their first hand experiences. Sample projects were also showcased for the participants.

“KSITM and Intel® have collaborated for implementing the Intel® Learn Program since 2004. We are very happy with the efforts Intel has taken to empower more and more children with skills required to successfully meet the challenges of the 21st Century – Dr. Ajay Kumar, Secretary, IT Department, Government of Kerala.

The block festivals conducted by Intel turned out to be a great success with an outcome that more and more schools showed interest in the program and willingness to implement the same. These blocks fests not only helped in spreading awareness about the  importance of key 21st century skills but also provided a common platform for the centres to interact and share their concerns.