VOCATIONAL/COMPUTER TRAINING

Digital Literacy for Young Girls

Project Name: SHRIN TECH CENTER – Digital Literacy for Girls

Location: Jamshedpur

Year Established: 2022

Supported By: Aligarh Education Endowment Fund (AEEF)

Sponsored By: Madraswala family

Run in Collaboration With: Alig Society

Objective: To provide young girls with essential digital literacy skills, empowering them with the tools to develop employable skills and enhance their future career prospects.

Logic Behind Establishment

In today’s tech-driven world, digital literacy is a vital skill for both education and employment. However, girls, particularly from underserved communities, often face barriers to accessing digital education, which limits their future opportunities. SHRIN TECH CENTER was established to bridge this gap by offering young girls foundational digital skills that can open doors to employment and further education in a growing digital economy.

The project focuses on:

1. Empowering girls to confidently use technology and digital tools.
2. Building a solid foundation in digital literacy, including word processing, data management, basic coding, and internet usage.
3. Enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills through technology.
4. Preparing girls for future careers in technology, information systems, and other fields where digital skills are essential.

Intended Beneficiaries

The center is designed exclusively for girls between the ages of 18 and 30, with a special focus on those from underserved and marginalized communities where access to digital education is scarce. These girls often come from public schools or community learning centers lacking the necessary infrastructure for digital learning, and the program provides them with a safe space to develop these critical skills.

Number of Beneficiaries

Since its launch in 2022, SHRIN TECH CENTER has reached approximately 120 girls annually. By the end of 2025, it is expected to have directly impacted around 480 girls, with plans to expand the program to reach 500 girls per year within the next five years.

Recurring Costs After Initial Setup

After the initial investment in infrastructure—such as laptops, internet connections, and educational software—the project incurs ongoing costs, including:

1. Maintenance of equipment (hardware repairs, software updates)
2. Hiring and training female instructors skilled in digital literacy
3. Internet and utility expenses at the learning center
4. Curriculum development and updates to keep pace with technological advancements

The recurring costs are estimated to be around $5000 annually, covering staffing, learning materials, and operational overheads. The initial setup costs, including equipment procurement, facility setup, and curriculum development, amounted to approximately $4000-5000.

Long-term Impact

The SHRIN TECH CENTER aims to create a sustainable model where young girls not only gain basic digital skills but are also given the opportunity to advance into specialized technology courses or internships. Over the next decade, the project hopes to equip at least 1500 girls with the digital skills necessary for employment in tech-related fields.

Importantly, the success rate for girls securing useful employment after completing the program stands at around 50%+, a significant milestone in empowering girls to contribute meaningfully to the workforce and in closing the gender gap in the technology sector.

By focusing on the digital literacy of young girls, SHRIN TECH CENTER contributes to both community development and gender equity, ensuring that girls have the skills and confidence to thrive in the modern economy.