Hello Friends,
Our kids are the ones that have seen their parents and teachers do a complete backflip, when it comes to everyday education.
While we are still trying to understand and accept the situation, these little angels have already adapted to these changing times.
As education shifted to ‘online’ mode, since Mar-2020, the digital divide became a big concern. However, having a smartphone at home, doesn’t always translate to having access to it at all times or most times of the day. Considering all these factors, the Karnataka Government, started the Vidyagama project which included Samveda (DD-Chandana), that provided a digital opportunity to the children, to access and utilize the necessary training and classes at their advantage.
When the schools re-opened in November-2021, the teachers recognised the advantage in embracing this collaborative mode of teacher-cum-e-learning and have since then, been trying to get Samveda or any other online/e-content into the classrooms.
To help with this, Vidhyadaanam has been trying to support by providing TVs along with well curated educational content, since 2020.
Last year’s drive covered 5 schools which were well received and used, throughout the year. As promised, the teachers have judiciously used the devices to display only educational content while limiting the screen time to 45mins to 1 hr, per class.
Based on the current situation, our plans and requirements for this year are:
a) TV setup for Smart-Class in 10 or more schools.
b) Appointing an external teacher with good english language and basic computer training knowledge to train the teachers and students, at 3 schools.
d) All the activities will be in strict adherence to the government’s rules and regulations for the NGOs/Schools.
e) We are planning this year’s activities, with least manual intervention and contact. This makes micro distributions like books and stationery, non-viable.
Last Year:
a) We were able to provide this e-classroom along with contents to 5 schools.
b) With the support of Rotary – International (Pittsburgh), provide Nali-Kali tables to 16 schools (5 tables per school).
c) Provided basic usage training, to stream videos or view the Bridge courses offered in DD Chandana, Samveda and various other channels from YouTube, by the Government.
d) Held an open-house discussion with the CRP, teachers of schools belonging to 3 clusters (16 schools).
Please note: Providing support is purely voluntary and there are no compulsions of any kind.
How you can help:
1) Volunteer to help with the preparation of smart-class content
2) Donate any of the items helpful to our needs (as above), for this year.
3) Monetary – Please let us know (via mail/whatsapp/call) in case of bank transfers. Bank details are below:
Account Name: VIDHYADAANAM
Bank Name: State Bank of India
Branch: JP NAGAR
Account Number: 62465222934
IFSC Code: SBIN0020979
Account Type: Savings/Debit – Domestic
The contributions will be eligible for (50%) IT exemption (80G)
The Trip:
While we miss all the gathering and fun, it is evident that we need to avoid vis-a-vis interactions with these children.
Hence, like in 2020, a very small group would visit a few schools only for the setup and training.
As always, your support, in any way, is highly appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to read this mail.
Team VIDHYADAANAM