Project Umeed To Advance Digital Literacy In Rural India

India-West Staff Reporter

A coalition of four US-based nonprofits, including SM Sehgal Foundation, Teach for Life, India Development and Relief Fund (IDRF), and Guru Krupa Foundation, has launched “Project Umeed” with the goal of advancing education and digital literacy in rural India. The initiative aims to address the urban-rural digital divide by focusing on underserved areas in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Telangana. The project, meaning “hope” in Hindi and Urdu, underscores a commitment to democratizing access to knowledge and empowering communities through technology-enabled learning solutions.

As of now, a press release said, the partners have raised $900,000 for Project Umeed and seek to secure the remaining $100,000 on India Giving Day, scheduled for March 1, from individual donors. Launched in 2023 by the India Philanthropic Alliance, India Giving Day honors the contributions of Americans, particularly Indian Americans, to India.

Key features of Project Umeed include the establishment of digital libraries in remote villages, equipped with computers, internet connectivity, educational software, and digital learning resources for schoolchildren and community members. The initiative will also conduct training sessions to enhance digital literacy across all age groups, enabling individuals to navigate the digital world confidently.

Project Umeed will collaborate with local educators, content creators, and subject matter experts to develop customized educational materials and curriculum content tailored to the specific needs and interests of rural learners, ensuring their relevance and efficacy.

Emphasizing community engagement and sustainability, the initiative aims to involve local stakeholders at every stage of the project, fostering a sense of ownership, promoting sustainability, and ensuring a meaningful impact in each target community.

SM Sehgal Foundation, founded 25 years ago by Indian American crop scientist and philanthropist Suri Sehgal and his wife Eda, operates in over 2,000 Indian villages. The coalition partners, Teach for Life, IDRF, and Guru Krupa Foundation, contribute their expertise to various aspects of the initiative.

For more information about Project Umeed, interested parties can contact Jay Sehgal at sf-usa@smsfoundation.org.