Project Umeed launched to advance digital literacy in rural India 

The $1 million collaborative effort of four US-based groups aims to bridge the urban-rural digital divide and enhance education in underserved communities

A consortium of four US-based nonprofits has launched a million-dollar initiative to advance education and digital literacy in rural India, aiming to bridge the country’s urban-rural digital divide.

Implemented on the ground by SM Sehgal Foundation, the other partners of “Project Umeed” are Teach for Life, India Development and Relief Fund (IDRF), and Guru Krupa Foundation. This collaborative effort underscores a shared commitment to democratizing access to knowledge and empowering communities through technology-enabled learning solutions, according to a press release by the Sehgal Foundation.

“Umeed” means hope in Hindi and Urdu.

The initiative, scheduled to coincide with India Giving Day, will initially target rural schoolchildren in underserved areas across Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Telangana. The goal is to equip these students with the tools and resources needed to thrive in the digital age, the release said.

“We are delighted to embark on this transformative journey as we work together to realize the vision of Project Umeed,” said Navneet Narwal, Project Umeed Lead at SM Sehgal Foundation. “With the generous support and expertise of these partners, we are confident that our shared efforts will bring about positive change and create lasting opportunities for individuals and communities across rural India.”

The partners have already raised $900,000 for Project Umeed and hope to raise the remaining $100,000 on India Giving Day, which is on March 1, from individual donors.

Launched in 2023 by the India Philanthropic Alliance, India Giving Day celebrates and honors the significant contributions made to India by Americans, particularly Indian Americans.

Sehgal Foundation said the key features of the initiative include the following:

Digital libraries:

Utilizing technology and infrastructure, Project Umeed will set up comprehensive digital libraries in remote villages. These libraries will be equipped with computers, internet connectivity, educational software, and digital learning resources, catering to both schoolchildren and community members.

Capacity building and training:

The initiative will organize focused training sessions and workshops aimed at improving digital literacy skills across all age groups in order to empower individuals to navigate the digital world confidently, utilize online resources effectively, and access new avenues for personal and professional development.

Content development:

Project Umeed will partner with local educators, content creators, and subject matter experts to create top-notch educational materials and curriculum content. These resources will be customized to meet the specific needs and interests of rural learners, guaranteeing their relevance and efficacy.

Community engagement and sustainability:

The initiative will place a strong emphasis on community engagement and involvement at every stage of the project by collaborating closely with local stakeholders to cultivate a sense of ownership, promote sustainability, and ensure a meaningful impact in each target community.

SM Sehgal Foundation was launched 25 years ago by prominent Indian American crop scientist and philanthropist Suri Sehgal and his wife, Eda. The foundation is present in more than 2,000 Indian villages.

Teach for Life, based in Wichita, Kansas, promotes the sharing of knowledge to enhance children’s education.

IDRF, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, works to alleviate poverty in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

The private Guru Krupa Foundation funds numerous philanthropic groups and causes.

More information about Project Umeed can be obtained by emailing Jay Sehgal at sf-usa@smsfoundation.org