The Roundtable highlighted the contribution of Information and Communication Technologies in enabling a sustainable development and transformation in the Indian community. The key panelists at the Roundtable included Mr. Jagmohan Singh Raju IAS, Joint Secretary, Adult Education & Director General, National Literacy Mission Authority, Dr. Madhav Chavan, Founder Chairperson, Pratham, Ms. Ishita Roy, IAS, Director Kerala State IT Mission, Mr. Abhishek Singh IAS, Director, e-governance at Department of Information Technology, Government of India and Mr. Peter Broffman, Global Manager, Non Formal Education, Intel Foundation. The Roundtable was moderated by ICT4D specialist, Dr. Jayalakshmi Chittoor.
The roundtable witnessed large-scale representation from governmental and non-governmental organizations, who came together to discuss on the issue and explore options for developing synergies towards harnessing the power of ICTs in building sustainable development. Mr. Jagmohan Singh Raju, shared details of NLM initiatives on skill enhancement programs in the non-formal education segment in India. Dr. Madhav Chavan, spoke about the role of ICTs for its ‘Education for Education’ initiative and Pratham initiatives on developing digital literacy skills in youth. Ms Ishita Roy, Director, KSITM took the opportunity to share her experience on sustainability of Common Services Centres and spoke about the impact of ICTs on building sustainability. Mr. Abhishek Singh, spoke about the National e-governance plan and shared his views on ICT-enabled services that can bring about a transformation in the society. Mr. Peter Broffman, shared his thoughts on the role of corporate CSR in contributing to the transformation process and highlighted the contribution of Intel initiatives in the non-formal space.
Intel Learn trained learners from Navjyoti India Foundation from the slum resettlement colony of Bawana, on the outskirts of Delhi, presented a project on girl child education and the children enacted a street play to drive home their earnestness in solving the issue. A standing ovation and resounding applause from the august gathering greeted the learners on completion of the showcasing.
Mr. Ashutosh Chadha Director, Corporate Affairs Group, Intel India, wrapped up the deliberations and reiterated Intel’s unwavering commitment in developing a crystallized plan to take the outcomes of the deliberations to the next level.
The Intel Learn – National Bal Bhavan partnership was officially launched at an event organized for celebrating ‘Education for All’ week at National Bal Bhavan. Over 400 children, teachers and NBB officials were present at the launch of the partnership. The vice-chairperson of NBB, Mr. Brajesh Prasad announced the launch of Intel Learn Program for the children at Bal Bhavan. The theme of the event was ‘women and girl child education’. At the event, Mr. Ashutosh Chaddha, Director, Corporate Affairs Group, Intel India, spoke about a broader definition of education and the relevance of 21st century skills like digital literacy, critical thinking and collaboration skills for children to be successful in their workplaces. Mr. Brajesh Prasad, Vice Chairperson, National Bal Bhavan and Mrs. Indrani Choudhury, Director Incharge, National Bal Bhavan thanked Intel for providing an opportunity to the Bal Bhavan children to undergo Intel Learn Program.
“When you learn subjects in school, you get connected to your country, but when you learn how to use the computer, you get connected to the world. So, children, you all must take advantage of this wonderful opportunity that Intel has brought to your doorstep” – Brajesh Prasad.
National Bal Bhavan conducts short courses for school students (5 to 16 years) to empower them with creative and vocational skills. During school summer vacations, about 3000 to 4000 children enroll for the popular courses. Intel Learn Program will be offered to all children at National Bal Bhavan.
Mr. Peter Broffman, Global Manager, Non-formal Education, Intel Foundation, USA, Ms. Shweta Khurana, Education Manager, Intel and Rajendra Tripathi, Operations Manager, Intel visited Ferozpur for interacting with learners, parents, teachers and community members of Wakilanwala village. The nearby Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya had organized Intel Learn batch for students from neighbourhood schools. The learners showcased a project on ‘Girl Child Education’. Interestingly, this project was created by boys who identified ‘Girl child Education’ as the most important problem in their community. Sh. Harcharan Singh, Assistant Commissioner, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti Regional Office, Chandigarh, the Panchayat leaders, Principals of JNV and other schools, parents, teachers and learners were present to show their appreciation for the program. Learners also organized a small play on the issue and raised the slogan - teach girl children; teach the world. The skit ended with a slogan- “Dhee Bhain jeh padh javegi; Desh di Guddi chad javegi” (only if a daughter or a sister is educated, the status of girl children in the country will be elevated).
“Girl Child Education is such a big problem in this country and I am amazed to see the children taking up the cause. On behalf of Navodaya Vidyalaya, I will try to see, if 2/ 3 computers can be donated to the government school, so more children can undergo Intel Learn Program and become aware citizens of the country’ - Sh. Harcharan Singh, Assistant Commissioner, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti.
As a token of its appreciation, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, presented a memento to Intel, for implementing the Intel Learn Program for the rural children – a program that has developed social responsibility in learners and contributed in highlighting and creating strategies for solving community problems.
“I was asked to provide encouragement and motivation to the learners to be the leaders of tomorrow, but after I witnessed the project, I am convinced that you have already become leaders of tomorrow. When we created the Intel Learn Program, we wanted to make sure that it helps learners to contribute to their community development. And today, after this presentation, I can say that the goal has been accomplished’
Peter Broffman
The field visit highlighted the impact of Intel Learn program on learners from rural India. The project showcasing event was a case in point where Intel initiatives empower children and youth through activity based skill development programs in community based non-formal education settings.
