Education for underprivileged in 2021: Bridging the Digital Divide

The global transition of education to a virtual model has led to a deep Digital Divide among students in terms of access to quality online learning. The gap between the privileged and the underprivileged is undeniably evident. As detailed in my article ‘Digital Divide in Education’ published this February, problems in E-Learning are ample but the digital model of learning is bound to continue in the foreseeable future. The way onward then, is to work towards bridging this divide.

To this end, sharing some insights from our working with online education for less privileged students over the past year.

1.      Device Misuse Myths

A certain apprehension pertaining to device misuse / damage / misplacement exists in the society. Having distributed near 750 + digital devices to students at Lotus Petal, our data reflects that while some devices were slightly damaged and few were given back to the school for minor repairs, the number of devices lost or pilfered has been 0. Less than 0.5% of device has been damaged. This is indicative of the fact that theft of devices by students or families is a myth. Rather equipping the children with a device seems to instill in them a sense of duty and responsibility. Measures like good quality device cover and security software’s for remote monitoring act as deterrents and influence appropriate behavior.

2.      Full Day Internet Access

Mere device distribution to underprivileged students does not suffice. Internet access, an obvious part of online education, can be provided to students by way of full day internet access. To provide incentive, data pack recharges can be linked to students’ attendance and performance in class. At Lotus Petal, in April 2021, attendance adherence has been observed by 80% of the active 739 students. A possible long-term remedy to improve access to net services for underprivileged students is partnering up with internet service providers to subsidize data plans and make learning on digital platforms affordable. Also, zero-rating practices that allow teachers and students to utilize websites without financial cost can be evaluated. Many of our corporate partners like BA Airways, Mediatek , United Way of Delhi have been funding these access costs based on student attendance performance. 

3.      Device cost financial aid linked to outcomes

The financial aspect of learning needs to be considered as well. Not every parent can afford a digital device. A workable solution for this can be increasing awareness about low-cost access via Blended Finance options such as Impact bonds, Interest Free Loans, Blended Loans, Pay for Performance Grants etc. A typical tab costing Rs. 9000, can be paid off in 12 monthly installments of Rs.750, which can be afforded by most. This way the parents can afford to keep their children’s education going strong. Lotus Petal has collaborated with the Rang De India initiative and has assisted many underprivileged children in availing Interest Free Loans. Partners with programs of Pay for Performance Grants can be reimburse the costs to parents at regular intervals on meeting academic outcomes. This also provides dignity to the parents in the sense that they are getting the benefits based on their and their children’s efforts and it is not a dole.

4.      Bandwidth, Software and Hardware Impediments

Problems pertaining to Bandwidth and Content Comprehension by the student can be assuaged by modifying the curriculum content in a way that it may be easy to understand and attainable even in lower bandwidth. The material can be made simple and comfortably downloadable and storable for reference later as well. Overall, minimizing the digital divide would require ideas such as televising some of the course content, distribution of learning kits, creating free WI-FI spots in underserved neighborhoods, indigenous manufacturing of digital devices. Learnings from Ed-Tech failures of the past such as a dearth of knowledge repositories, a lack of personalization in learning, incomprehensible course delivery and inability to conduct assessments smoothly call for focus towards a merger of and metamorphosis in software and hardware development. There is a need for establishing workable partnerships between all information and communication technology stakeholders and improving our digital literacy capacities in the short and long run. With this we may bring a meaningful change in the e-learning education space.

5.      Pedagogy

The pedagogy of classroom teaching cannot be duplicated in the online mode. Here the teaching, which is more lecture based, effective high-quality content on concepts which can be referenced later, encouragement to children to indulge in self-study and access to doubt clearance sessions on one-on-one basis or in smaller groups has been more effective. In this direction, Lotus Petal has partnered with BYJU’s in their program of Education for All in which they provide free content to underprivileged children.

While many steps have been taken in the right direction, much more thought, innovation and action need to go into functionalizing the sphere of E-Learning. It is no longer an option but a necessity. This is an issue which requires the commitment of multiple stakeholders – Government, Non-Profits, Corporate CSR funding, Social Financial Institutions, Content Providers etc. to work in a collaborative manner.

Do contribute your valuable inputs on possible solutions in the comments and let us all work towards ensuring quality education for each and every child of the nation including those living in underprivileged communities. 

Top 7 things to know before starting a non-profit

                      1.  Clear cause and objective:

Most imperative is a clarity about the cause one wishes to work for. A clear vision, derived from what one is passionate about. A non-commercial; charitable or philanthropic endeavour. Registering a non-for-profit organization as either a Trust, Society or Section 8 company then becomes the basic next step. Eventually, clarity brings coherence in the focus of effort expended and actions to take/not to take as the organization grows successfully. If the purpose is clear, then every obstacle can be overcome.

 

2.  Dependable associates and allies:

Selection of the people one collaborates with for the founding structure of the organization is critical. These people should be unwavering allies, willing to be open to scrutiny by tax authorities, government departments like MHA, Intelligence Bureau and sharing personal as well as financial details to multiple stakeholders. At the same time, they should be able to advise in a critical yet supportive manner and spare time to attend meetings. It needs a commitment for at a minimum of 4 -5 years (required to attain all essential registrations and approvals). Ideally, not immediate family members or politically engaged persons (PEPs) and preferably living in close range, to ease the process of verifications.

3.  A concrete plan of activities & finances:

A definitive plan, initially, is vital. The reality is that people contribute to impactful endeavours. While initial resources for one’s efforts will come from self, friends and family, the public will contribute to activities that have a tangible and visible impact. Also, tax exemption approvals and 2-3 years track record are needed to get substantial donations from individuals and corporates. So, having a structure of activities that score both on immediate impact and limited financials is important to gain primary momentum. 

4.  Documentation:

Commencing from the first activity of the non-profit, methodical documentation should be maintained. Date stamped pictures, cataloguing of all reports, having all expenditures plans discussed and approved by the board, expenses vouchers/invoices with payment proofs signed, receipt issuance within 24 hours for all donations assures the public of the longevity of the organization’s work. A current updated website, social media posts and articles are a source of online documentation as well.

5.  Financial & Compliances know-how:

A basic knowledge of finances and easy to learn accounting is a must. Categories of funding, types of accounts to be opened and operated, basic compliances, proof of monetary transactions, financial records, Income Tax applicability etc. should be understood. Do not get mislead by the “imposter syndrome” as there are many experts in this field. Such fundamental concepts are straightforward and easy to comprehend. This helps prevent any subsequent complications as organisation grows.

6.  Registered Address /Place of operation

Setting up a suitable address for commercial activities, preferably one that remains unchanged, is crucial. As rental properties require many tangled compliances, starting the work at any permanent address, even a friend’s is more desirable. A small office with a legitimate board of the organization’s name must be established. This is helpful with getting your bank account opening, payment gateway etc.

7. Prepare for foreign donations

One should surely aspire towards gaining foreign contributions. When collected legitimately and utilized with transparency, foreign contributions can greatly assist a non-profit as foreign donors are easier to convince and many favours supporting smaller charities. This is exhibited by the fact that over the last 4 years, Rs. 51,000 Cr have been received by non-profits in the country as foreign donation. However, it takes a minimum 3 completed years with over Rs. 15 lac spend in charitable activities plus many other requirements to be eligible. Preparing for it from Day 1 makes it a lot easier.

 There will be obstacles that are not anticipated; however, one is able to overcome all obstacles due to the commitment one has to the cause and purpose of why one started. No obstacle is bigger than the purpose has guided us in this journey.