A collaborative effort totaling $1 million from four US-based organizations seeks to narrow the urban-rural digital gap and uplift education in underserved regions.
A consortium comprising SM Sehgal Foundation, Teach for Life, India Development and Relief Fund (IDRF), and Guru Krupa Foundation has initiated “Project Umeed,” with the aim of bolstering education and digital literacy in rural India.
Launching on India Giving Day, the project initially targets rural schoolchildren in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Telangana. It aims to furnish them with the necessary tools for success in the digital era.
“Umeed,” translating to hope in Hindi and Urdu, symbolizes the initiative’s aspiration to empower communities through technology-enabled learning solutions.
The project lead, Navneet Narwal of SM Sehgal Foundation, expresses optimism about the initiative’s potential to effect transformative change, aided by the support and expertise of its partners.
With $900,000 already raised, the partners seek to secure the remaining $100,000 on India Giving Day, showcasing the commitment of both individual and organizational donors.
Key aspects of Project Umeed include establishing digital libraries equipped with computers and educational software, organizing training sessions to enhance digital literacy, developing tailored educational content, and fostering community engagement for sustainability.
SM Sehgal Foundation, founded by Suri Sehgal and Eda Sehgal, has been active in over 2,000 Indian villages for 25 years.
Teach for Life, IDRF, and Guru Krupa Foundation contribute their expertise and resources to this noble endeavor.
For further details on Project Umeed, inquiries can be directed to Jay Sehgal at sf-usa@smsfoundation.org.
