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Tirunelveli Education Project

Project Overview

Did you know that only 31% of rural populations in India know how to use a computer or telephone? Our current project aims to equip academically, socially, and economically underprivileged 5th-10th grade children in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu with digital literacy skills. The selected kids are a part of a pilot program that allows them to live in a "Residential Training Center" -- a facility that houses, feeds, and transports these kids to their respective public schools. Our team is working with several NGOs and local IAS officers to construct a computer lab at the residential school.

Phase I: Research

Summer 2023 - Fall 2023

Our team conducted virtual, qualitative interviews with students of the Residential Training Center, their after-school teacher, and the Center director. At these interviews, we learned about the students' daily routines, interests, career goals, and current gaps in curriculum.

Key Takeaways:

Students have an avid interest in computer science and in learning how to type, code, and use computer softwares
Digital literacy is not currently taught in rural public schools
Competency in computer skills is essential for the current workforce and can help students break current caste barriers
There are no computers at the public school or Residential Center

Phase 2: NGO Partnerships

Fall 2023 - Winter 2024

While working to secure funds to construct a computer lab at the Residential Center, our team met with several NGOs to learn about digital literacy education. With the help of Asha for Education Chennai, we were able to secure access to a free computer software for the students to use. This software has 12 months of in-built lesson plans aimed to teach students, based on age, how to use computers, type, code, write emails, and use Excel softwares at their own pace.

Phase 3: Construction

Winter 2024 - Summer 2024

Through a grant from the Barger Leadership Institute, we developed a floor plan and created an itemized budget to build a computer lab within the Residential Training Center. Construction then started in Spring 2024 and was completed in June 2024. The computer lab currently contains 4 desktop computers, 18 desks & chairs, and a book library for the students to use.

Phase 4: Post-Implementation

Summer 2024 - present

Our final phase involves monitoring the progression of the students as they start to utilize the computers. We plan to interview the students and assess their digital literacy competency, as well as host workshops for them via Zoom meetings to build our relationship with them. We hope visit the Center in Winter 2024 to meet the students and address any infrastructure needs that arise.

Image Gallery

View the progress of our computer lab implementation, from initial floor plans and construction to the furnished workspace, and the learning environment it has fostered for students within the center.