Community Engagement to Boost Digital Literacy

For any project to see its full potential, community mobilization plays an integral role as the purpose of the schemes would not be served unless the beneficiaries are fully aware about their entitlements. As a part of community engagement, Digital Literacy for Women and Girls program, an initiative by Microsoft and DEF, a session was conducted at CIRC Jafrabad centre, Delhi. The objective of the session was to create awareness among the female members of the community about the importance of digital literacy and its impact on education. 

The moderator Arshi started the session with a welcoming of the participants followed by a brief introduction. Around 15-20 participants aged between 14-34 years old took part in the session. Among the attendees, the majority of the women were housewives who belonged to low-income families and most of the girls were students of the nearby government school. As part of the session, Arshi explained about the digital literacy program and enumerated the benefits that can be availed by the women and girls of the community. She further discussed computer learning, and digital smartphone learning that the beneficiaries can opt for at the centre to improve their skills and aim to become independent. 

They were also educated about the various schemes available for women and girls and talked about the ways to access them online. Community engagements have often proved to be great catalysts in the actual utilization of the implemented programmes and schemes. Considering the enthusiastic participation and the positive feedback of them finding the session quite useful, it can be hoped that they would take it forward, learn new skills, stay more alert about their entitlements and spread the word to ensure the growth of the community on the whole.