Tablets for Learning (Help us bridge the Digital Divide)

The unprecedented lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak has also laid bare the technological inequities in Maharashtra. The Akanksha Foundation is ensuring access to learning through virtual classes and by providing tablets to students from classes 3 - 10 in two phases to provide upto 6,975 tablets. You can support them in bridging the gap by donating ₹1,000.

Our survey reveals that one smartphone in a family is used by multiple members, leaving the child with little or no time to engage with the school for online learning. A few parents who have gone back to their jobs, carry the phone with them and children are able to access the phone only after their parents return home late in the evening. 

About 400 million workers in the informal economy are at risk of falling deeper into poverty due to the impact of the crisis on the informal sector 

It is essential to address these gaps as a child’s schooling years lays the foundation and determines their ability to pursue tertiary level education which goes a long way in developing skills and providing access to opportunities. 

THE CHALLENGE: ACCESS TO A DEVICE FOR LEARNING

• The mobile phone is the predominant digital device used by the families served by Akanksha Schools. In most families, a single mobile phone is shared by multiple members. 
• Currently, families with more than one child share the mobile phone for learning and there is a high possibility that the girl child will be the last one to use it or denied its use.
• Access to phones is limited to when parents are at home as phones are mostly owned by parents. Children do not have access to it for learning when their parents are at work.

Learning Device as a Solution

• One of the first priorities for Akanksha to ensure continued learning is to provide access to a learning device for our students. 

• The learning device will be used as the primary mode through which our students will have access to their virtual classrooms. 

• Beyond learning, the connection with our students is important to ensure that our teachers and schools continue to serve as a strong support system for them.

We have identified a Lenovo digital tablet costing Rs 10,500 that includes-

- Internet recharge 

- Insurance for the tablet 

- Investment in device learning management systems

As part of Phase 1, in the last academic year Akanksha provided 2,675 tablets to students from Grade 7 to 10 for a 1:1 access.

As part of Phase 2, Akanksha will be providing tablets to students from Grade 3 to 7 and Akanksha teachers. This is approx. of 4300 tablets for providing the students a 1:1 access. We appeal today to support us with 100 tablets through this campaign

Through this approach, we plan to seize the opportunity to bridge the digital divide that exists due to the inability of low-income families to afford and access digital devices and services along with the lack of know-how to utilize it.

Device Specifications:

• Screen Size - 8”
• Android version (9.0)
• 2GB RAM / 32 GB / 4G SIM + WiFi enabled 
• Includes device insurance, security software, accessories (cover and earphones)