CLICK : Improving Computer Literacy among Rural Youths

Community Learning Institute for Computer Knowledge (CLICK), aims to enhance computer literacy in rural communities in Kerala's district of Wayanad.

The COVID19 issue has caused a sudden surge in demand for online teaching and learning throughout the world. It has demonstrated a valuable impulse for internet technology to develop a variety of teaching/learning solutions with innovative features. The state government has indeed been establishing a remote education program to keep the village youth studying. However, many children, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, do not have internet access, personal mobile phones, laptops, or any other gadget at home, exacerbating the consequences of existing disparities.

Group of Students who attended Comuter Classes

Students that don't have access to the technology required for community/home-based learning have few options for completing their education.As a result, many are at risk of never returning to school, losing years of educational achievement. According to preliminary survey results, the majority of youngsters in Puthoorvayal, district Wayanad, lack computer skills and do not know how to use the Internet for educational purposes.Puthoorvayal is a small village located in Kerala's Wayanad district. It is 5 kilometres from Kalpetta, the district headquarters. The Paniya hamlets and general societies make up the village.

A house in Puthoorvayal, Wayanad, Kerala

As part of my SBI Youth for India Fellowship, I launched a project called Community Learning Institute for Computer Knowledge (CLICK) to address these challenges and assist youth of in education. M S Swaminathan Research Foundation funded the project through its Every Child a Scientist Program. The project's goal was to improve computer literacy among youths through training and the establishment of a Learning Center. Initially, the training was done at SBI Life Community Knowledge Center at M S Swaminathan Botanical Garden.

SBI LIFE Community Knowledge Center

This center is located inside Community Agro-biodiversity Center MSSBG in Puthoorvayal. In the initial phase of the project Study material was generated with the help of content available on different Learning portals. The knowledge Center website containing Computer Study material aided with Youtube videos and some additional links is designed for the students.

Students during Comuter Training at Knowledge Center

Inorder to improve students' computer knowledge regular computer class was organized at Knowledge spread. Aside from regular computer training, additional workshops such as "Internet for Education," "Photography and Biodiversity Conservation," "Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change" were held all through the project. The Center indirectly assisted students from diverse ethnic groups in meeting in one location and assisting each other for better learning.

Students with Dr Shakeela, Drector MSSBG aduring Workshop

Mr. Bean, a sitcom program, was the primary motivator for students to have a stress-free classroom atmosphere, ensuring maximum engagement. Periodic tests and practical tests were held on a monthly basis to assess students' learning. Students were given a 30-minute break during which they could play games and engage in discussion with one another. A third-party Android app was used to track attendance.

Students spending time in Community Agro-biodiversity Center

As a result, 45 students have completed their computer training. These students now know how to use MS Paint, MS Word, and MS PowerPoint in their academic assignments. They can now use the internet to find study materials that serve their needs, enabling them to become more self-sufficient. 100 RET plants are being digitized & embedded with QR codes to create awareness about RET plants among the local residents and visitors with the help of students. Now there is a dedicated Community Learning Center at Paniya hamlet where students attend their class through LED TV. A computer has been set up to assist students with their online study.

Community Learning Institute for Computer Knowledge

A Student committee has been formed to ensure the smoooth running of learning centre under the supervision Tribal Promoter Mrs Latha, who lives nearby. Furthermore, the Kerala State Government has now recruited a facilitator to help these kids in studying at the centre.

Student Commitee to ensure smooth running of Center

I would like to thank my Domain facilitator Dr Shakeela, Director MSSBG for her constant guidance throughout this journey. My heartfelt thanks to SBI YFI team especially Priyavarat, Coordinator Youth for India, Alex and Ganesh for constant support throughout the fellowship.