Digital Didi Changing Mindsets, Practices and Narratives
“Ubaid Mushtaq, a 13-year-old from a remote Kashmiri village, transforms from computer illiterate to a digital whiz through digital literacy initiatives, bridging the technology gap in his community.”
Ubaid Mushtaq’s journey is an example of the transformative power of education and access to technology in remote and underserved areas. He hails from a quaint village in the Anantnag district of Kashmir, where the digital divide was stark. In this village, computers were a rarity, and digital literacy was virtually non-existent among the children.
However, things started to change when the Digital Empowerment Foundation and the Stears Organisation stepped in to bridge this technological gap. They recognised the potential hidden within Ubaid and his fellow villagers and decided to bring the gift of digital knowledge to their doorstep.
Ubaid’s life began to take a new direction when these organisations initiated digital literacy sessions in his village. Computers were introduced into the local school, and children like Ubaid, who had never even seen a computer before, were introduced to the world of technology. This marked the beginning of a transformation.
Ubaid, driven by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, seized this opportunity with both hands. Over the course of just 7 months, he made remarkable progress. From being computer illiterate, he now possesses a wealth of knowledge about computers. He has not only learned about the various components of a computer but also mastered the art of operating one. Typing, using notepad, and creating art with MS Paint became second nature to him.
Ubaid’s journey is a shining example of how access to technology and digital literacy can empower young minds to open up to a world of opportunities. He is now working diligently on mastering MS Word, a skill that will undoubtedly serve him well in the future.
Ubaid’s story serves as an inspiration, not only to the children of his village but to the world at large. It reminds us that with the right support and opportunities, even in the most remote corners of the globe, young talents like Ubaid can emerge, thrive, and contribute to a brighter, more digitally inclusive future for all.
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