In a world driven by technology, many villages still lack basic amenities, with technology remaining out of reach. For the past month, I’ve been working in Savariyadigar, a village in Maharashtra’s Nandurbar district, with the indigenous tribal community. Reaching the village is difficult, requiring a 30 to 40-kilometer journey, often by boat due to lack of roads. Despite this, I’ve been involved in a digital school initiative to provide amenities rural children lack. We’re introducing activities, games, and digital learning to bridge the education gap between rural and urban areas.
Challenges are significant. The village has one small school, and many children drop out after primary education due to lack of access or interest. Some walk three hours daily to attend school, highlighting the need for better transportation and educational facilities. I’ve developed offline content for children who’ve missed education to catch up. I’ve also worked with women, leading meetings to understand and address their issues, empowering them to face challenges and seek a better future. Living with limited internet, I’ve observed the villagers’ resilience. They face problems while hoping for development. Their determination despite lacking resources has been eye-opening. My experiences highlight the need to bridge the digital divide and empower rural communities with necessary tools. It’s not just about internet access, but fostering innovation, resilience, and inclusivity. This is crucial for equitable development, ensuring no one is left behind as we progress Through collaboration and innovation, we can create a future where everyone, regardless of background, can succeed in the digital age. Let’s work towards an inclusive and empowered society where every voice is heard, and every dream is achievable.