Bengaluru:eVidyaloka, a leading NGO focussed on rural education in India, has partnered with the Indian Army under ‘Operation Sadbhavana’ to set up a digital classroom in the Government Middle School Nakarkote, a village near the LOC (Line of Control) in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir.
This initiative, launched on the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024, aims to bridge the digital divide and create equal learning opportunities for children aged 10-15 years (5th to 10th grade) residing in these remote border areas of J&K, the organisation said in a press release.
According to the NGO, the newly established digital classroom is equipped with LED monitors and WiFi, which will impart quality education to students through eVidyaloka volunteers across the world. These volunteers will teach online in regional languages.
The curriculum will cover a range of subjects including Mathematics, Science, and English, the press release added.
This move marks the beginning of digital learning in the region by making it engaging, interactive, and accessible to all. Beyond academics, the initiative focuses on the personal growth of students, the development of critical thinking, and nurturing responsible, informed citizens of the world.
Commenting on the collaboration, Chairperson of eVidyaloka, Ravichandran V said, “Education is the cornerstone of progress, and by ensuring that it reaches every child, we are laying the foundations for a brighter and more progressive future for our nation. The establishment of this digital classroom made possible only with the Indian Army’s support, allows us to extend our reach into these remote locations. We are thrilled to bring equitable education and opportunities to the children of Jammu and Kashmir, helping them to break barriers and realize their full potential.”
Jammu and Kashmir faces significant challenges in providing quality education owing to its remote terrain and limited infrastructure. The region grapples with educational disparities and a shortage of resources, especially qualified teachers. Against this backdrop, eVidyaloka, in collaboration with the Indian Army, is addressing these issues by introducing digital tools and innovative teaching methods. The NGO said that this partnership is set to elevate educational standards and empower students in Jammu and Kashmir.
eVidyaloka has a reach of over 189,000 underprivileged students, covering 734 government schools across 14 states. These students are being taught in eight different regional languages.