“I had never seen a computer before, but now I’ve learned to operate it. I can create folders, use MS Word, and make PowerPoint presentations. The digital library in my school has transformed my world,” says Alfiya, grade 7 student, Government School, Alwar, Rajasthan.

The digital libraries established under the Transform Lives program by S M Sehgal Foundation have transformed the education of many schoolchildren. This initiative empowers children and provides a conducive learning environment in government schools.

India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 states that adequate and safe infrastructure, including working toilets, clean drinking water, clean and attractive spaces, electricity, computing devices, internet access, libraries, and sports and recreational resources will be provided to all schools to ensure that teachers and students, including children of all genders and children with disabilities, receive a safe, inclusive, and effective learning environment and are comfortable and inspired to teach and learn in their schools. The objective of the ‘Transform Lives’ program aligns well with this provision.

Navneet Narwal, Principal Lead, Project Implementation, S M Sehgal Foundation, says that “the program emphasizes the provision of essential ‘water sanitation and health’ (WASH) facilities in government schools, such as drinking water and toilet-related infrastructure. The rooftop rainwater harvesting system is installed in the schools to provide potable water to students for drinking and sanitation purposes. In addition, safe designated spaces with separate toilet facilities for boys and girls cater to the hygiene and sanitation needs of schoolchildren and are created in the shape of a bus, which is named SwachhtaVahini.

“Educational wall paintings are based on the concept of using buildings as learning aids (BaLA), which attract children and help them develop a sense of belonging in school. The program is currently active in nine states – Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra – and has transformed 33 schools.”

The program does not simply reflect efforts to transform government school campuses, it also emphasizes enhancing the capacities of the members of village development committees (VDCs) comprised of key persons of the village and school management committees (SMCs) comprised of teachers and selected parents/guardians of schoolchildren to better manage the functioning and optimum utilization of resources of the transformed government schools.

Students in a smart classroom

Members of these committees are trained about their roles and responsibilities at regular intervals so that they are motivated to take ownership of the operations and maintenance of the newly created school infrastructure and assets.

Also, the program advocates Digital and Life Skills Awareness training for schoolchildren and youth. The focus on bridging the divide between rural and urban children helps to develop social and emotional skills and increase children's knowledge of government programs and their role in the development of their village.

Ankit Ojha, Program Lead, Transform Lives program, S M Sehgal Foundation, says, “We have set up 13 digital libraries in government schools in Alwar, Rajasthan. These include schools covering grades 1 to 8, and even up to grade 12. The digital library is equipped with a set of 10 computers. Large screens are also installed to facilitate easy learning for children. Since electricity issues are common in villages, solar systems have been installed to ensure uninterrupted power supply. Additionally, the Foundation has provided a computer router for every library. The management and maintenance of these libraries are overseen through committees involving both school authorities and local villagers. We also provided e-educational content for grades 1 to 12, enabling students to access and engage with educational material through both visual and audio formats. Additionally, digital libraries offer content tailored for competitive exams, ensuring comprehensive learning resources for a wide range of academic needs."

Jaswant Sain, a grade 10 student of the Government Secondary School at Dehra Shahpur village in Alwar, Rajasthan, says:

“After completing the ninth standard, my father informed me that we would be relocating to Jaipur. I insisted on joining school there after the summer holidays, but during that time, S M Sehgal Foundation established a digital library at my school in Alwar. I attended a few classes, and I found it fascinating to learn about computers and practice using the internet. However, when we arrived in Jaipur, I discovered that such facilities were a luxury that the school there lacked. After much persuasion, my father finally agreed to let me return to my village, where I reenrolled. My primary motivation was the desire to continue studying in the digital library. The vast array of resources available there has been immensely beneficial to all of us, and I did not want to miss out on opportunities for education and personal development.”

According to the school's principal, Pushpa Meena, student engagement has increased. Students are now learning independently in various multimedia formats and gaining hands-on experience using different online tools.
These enhancements have not only provided critical amenities but also paved the way for better education opportunities, fostering a conducive learning environment for the students.

Chopra is Program Lead, Outreach for Development, S M Sehgal Foundation.