Digital literacy not just equips one to know about the world in a better way or navigate one’s journey by enhancing certain skills but instil a sense of confidence that bolsters the curiosity to learn something new.
Digital Excellence Centres serve as the hub where people from various backgrounds, age groups, interests and capabilities have the opportunity to put their skills to better use, learn or improve skills, explore some new fields and learn about environmental sustainability. These centres have managed to improve the digital literacy in the villages and especially the youth find it an attractive place.
Syeda Batool Sultana completed her MSc in Mathematics and B.Ed. and lives in Malakpet, Chanchalguda, Hyderabad. One day, a friend from her B.Ed. program told her about the Digital Excellence Centre near her residence as she was searching for a computer centre to learn computer skills. She came to the centre and got herself enrolled under the Digital Literacy Program supported by Accenture. She was very pleased when she learned about the digital literacy course. Before joining, she assumed that since the course was free of cost, there would be no proper classes or counselling. To her utter surprise, when she joined the Digital Excellence Centre, she learned many new things and techniques that were beyond her expectations. At this centre, she learned about computer applications, MS Office tools, social media, and cyber safety and security.
Additionally, she had the opportunity to be a part of the maker space program in which she was able to conduct experiments like making a lemon battery, balloon rocket and building a microscope, which she had never used in her school life. She has also learned about self, gender, STEM careers, and Quest App, which helped her to build her confidence level and eradicate gender stereotypes.
Syeda Batool is very grateful to the Digital Excellent Centre for providing her with learning that is essential to her daily life.