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Lakshya
Gujarat
Education Human Welfare Ongoing
Objective
To empower underserved communities with essential digital skills for safe and effective use of technology, while bridging the digital divide and improving access to education, services, and livelihood opportunities.
Why did we do it?
We initiated this intervention to address the growing digital divide that continues to exclude students from underserved and rural communities from equal learning opportunities. While education systems are rapidly integrating technology, many of these students lack access, exposure, and the necessary skills to participate effectively, putting them at a significant disadvantage in academics and future employment.
Recognizing that digital literacy is no longer optional but essential, we aimed to create equitable access to technology-enabled learning. By introducing low-cost Technology Hubs and structured STEM exposure, the initiative seeks to ensure that these students are not left behind, but are instead equipped with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to thrive in a digital and increasingly competitive world.
What did we do?
Sparsh partnered with Universe Simplified Foundation (USF) to bridge the digital divide by setting up low-cost Technology Hubs in government schools across Valsad and Navsari districts in Gujarat. These hubs provide inquiry-driven, hands-on STEM education to students aged 10–16 from low-income backgrounds.
The 3-year program is designed to build progressive skills—starting with computer literacy (MS Office), moving to Scratch programming, and advancing to robotics (Arduino)—through weekly sessions. In its first year, the initiative reached 678 students across 5 schools, many of whom previously had limited access to digital tools.
To ensure sustainability, Sparsh implemented a Train-the-Trainer model, training 6 local youth to deliver the program. Supported by one project coordinator, this team enables community-led implementation, with plans to develop master trainers who will independently sustain and scale the initiative in the coming years.
Outcome
In its first year, the initiative successfully reached 678 students, equipping them with foundational digital and STEM skills. It also created local employment by training 6 community educators, strengthening local capacity and ownership. The program has improved access to technology-enabled learning in underserved schools and established a sustainable model for continued impact and future scale.
