DEEP Learning – Empowering Girls through Technology

“I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them.” (- Isaac Asimov).

This statement is very relevant as technology has become an indispensable part of everyone’s lives, especially education. The computer has become a standard of education and provides an alternate way of teaching. Smart classrooms, online classrooms, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Lab, and virtual classes have been trending in recent years because of covid-19. It made us realize the importance of devices and technology when schools closed their classes in 2020 in response to COVID-19 and moved classes online.

Taking action on this at that time, our foundation, initiated a completely new initiative called Digital Education & Empowerment Program (DEEP). Deep in Nepali means a lamp or a light and it describes how we want to use technology to help girls find opportunities even in the darkest times. Through this program, we successfully deployed 20 laptops to the students and staff in need to help close the technology gap while the COVID-19 was at its peak. There was the challenge of getting many devices delivered to each of the children in need. We knew that many students wouldn’t have access to the necessary technology at school and resources at home. Thus, considering all these things, we planned to expand the access to technical or practical knowledge to more students. So, the foundation successfully purchased 40 laptops to be distributed to the school in the rural part of Makwanpur District. This laptop distribution is one of the outstanding achievements for us.

After the purchase, we tested the newly imported devices to check if each was performing well with no damage while importing. We adjusted the screen aspect ratio. We tested the Battery level. To make sure, we rechecked the device after a few days again. Once all the testing was done,  we installed some important software. Then, the Required device drivers were installed. Finally, the laptops were now all fully set to distribute.

The laptops will be distributed in the 1st week of June as the school is taking new admission in May for new sessions. The laptops are only part of the solution. We plan to host regular practical classes will be conducted so that no students would have to miss out on learning technical education.