In late September 2020, BYJU’S and VAHDAM Teas launched a social initiative called the TEAch me project.
The objective of the project was to make digital learning a reality for children from impoverished and disadvantaged backgrounds (children of plantation workers) in remote regions.
“If a child is poor in math but good at tennis, most people would hire a math tutor. I would rather hire a tennis coach.”
Deepak Chopra
Four months down the line, the project has made significant progress. VAHDAM Teas directed 1% of their revenue towards the project and BYJU’S provided digital learning resources through the BYJU’S Education for All initiative. To implement the project at ground zero they joined hands with CINI (Child in Need Institute) and CRY (Child Rights and You); NGOs that work for child rights and development.
Here is what they have achieved thus far:
The pilot project was initiated at the Giddapahar Tea Estate which is located in the Kurseong subdivision of the Darjeeling district. Even before the pandemic, children here had poor access to schools and education. They had to battle harsh terrains, endure tough living conditions, and cope up with unforgiving weather to attend schools.
Under the TEAch me project, more than 1000 children from the Giddapahar Tea Estate were provided resources for digital learning. The pilot Digital Learning Program was rolled out in late September 2020 and helped around 1000+ children in Darjeeling. The next phase is expanding the initiative to reach 2000 children, spanning across 20 tea estates. The aim is to make Digital Learning a norm for 50,000+ children across India’s tea-growing regions by 2025.
Model Child Activity Centers were also setup at multiple locations. These centers function as multipurpose establishments that focus on teaching and supporting children in every way possible. A regular day at a Model Child Activity Center begins with yoga followed by lessons in subjects like English, Nepali, and Math, and a whole lot of creative activities. Children are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities and sports as well.
Teach the children so it will not be necessary to teach the adults- Abraham Lincoln
The Response for the TEAch me project so far, has been overwhelming. 130 tea-estates have shown interest in adopting TEAch me and BYJU’S learning programs. By March this year, BYJU’S and VAHDAM are determined to expand to an additional 20-30 tea estates in Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiris. Enabling children to learn and fulfil their dreams can be a game-changer for many of these families living in very challenging conditions. In these uncertain times, helping children fall in love with learning is the best thing you can do for them. BYJU’s is doing it in a small way.
See how you can join hands with BYJU’s and help children, visit BYJU’S Education for All
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