In an ambitious move to bolster digital literacy among rural students, Edumust has taken a significant stride forward by inaugurating its fifth computer laboratory at Olympian Mandeep Singh Government Primary School in Mithapur village. The initiative, part of the NGO’s larger commitment to ensuring digital equality, is revolutionizing computer education in government schools across Jalandhar’s peripheral villages.
Edumust, which began its journey in 2015 by addressing the basic infrastructural needs of schools, has now evolved its mission. Recognizing that many students excel in core subjects yet lag in computer skills, the organization is shifting its focus to empower young minds through modern technology. In addition to providing state-of-the-art computer systems, the NGO equips schools with essential resources such as LAN connectivity, ergonomic computer desks, and up-to-date software.
A unique feature of the programme is its dual commitment to education and women’s empowerment. The project trains young women from the local communities in coding, who then impart these skills to the students. “Our approach not only enhances digital literacy but also strengthens the role of village women as educators and community leaders,” explained Kamna Raj Aggarwalla, the prominent businesswoman spearheading the initiative.
The newly inaugurated laboratory at Mithapur was formally opened in a ceremony attended by key education officials, including District Education Officer Harjinder Kaur and Deputy District Education Officer Manish Sharma. In their speeches, the officials underscored the critical role of early exposure to technology. “Introducing digital tools at a young age lays the foundation for better literacy, numeracy, and independent problem-solving skills,” noted DEO Harjinder Kaur, while also highlighting the benefits of Self-Organised Learning Environments (SOLE) that nurture curiosity and autonomy among students.
Alongside Mithapur, Edumust has adopted four other government primary schools located in Dhina, Sofi Pind, Tajpur, and Lohar Sukha Singh. The project, celebrated for its innovative approach to integrating technology with traditional education, has already started to bear fruit. During the inauguration, school staff and local education authorities witnessed students engaging enthusiastically with educational software, showcasing both their keenness to learn and the transformative potential of the programme.
Edumust board members, Seema Handa and Parbal Partap Singh, shared their vision of empowering the next generation with essential digital skills. “By equipping students with these competencies, we are opening doors to a future filled with dignity and security,” they stated.
Looking ahead, Amarjot Singh, the Executive Director of Edumust, revealed plans to expand the initiative further in the coming academic year. With the intention to extend the programme to eight additional schools by May and initiate full-scale implementation by July, the organisation is on track to transform digital education in rural areas even more extensively.
The forward-thinking project has received heartfelt support from local educational authorities. Both DEO Harjinder Kaur and DDEO Manish Sharma lauded the NGO’s commitment to digital literacy and encouraged the team to continue expanding their reach across the district. As Edumust paves the way for a digitally literate future, the initiative promises to not only enhance the learning experience for students but also to empower entire communities with the tools needed for success in the modern world.
