Ganesh lakshminarayanan talks to SANGEETA YADAV about various education programmes that are run under Dell Youth learning for the underprivileged children
What is Dell Youth learning (DYl) all aboutIJ
DYl works to teach students important information and communications technology (ICT) skills to prepare them for school, work and life. Its programmes are designed to support education and digital inclusion initiatives for underserved children. We help to develop 21st century skills among students like digital communications, critical and collaborative learning, tools that prepare them to study and work alongside their peers around the world coming from schools that may be better equipped. The children also learn to use technology to research and address critical community issues.
When was this launchedIJ
Dell Youth learning was first launched in India in 2009, with focus on ensuring technology access to underserved youth. The programme quickly expanded to Brazil, Mexico, China, Morocco, South Africa, the UK and the US. Today we are able to serve 15 countries with close to 70 global partnerships, reaching more than three million children across more than 1,000 communities.
What was the purpose of launching thisIJ
There are 72 million children worldwide that aren’t in school and lack access to the facilities, teachers and the technology they need for a better education. We believe that access to education and technology is not a luxury, but a necessity. That’s why we work directly with communities and non-profit organisations around the world to close the learning gap and give young people the power to discover better possibilities. Our approach is strategic, focused on connecting youth to a more promising tomorrow by closing the technology gap and unleashing student potential through breakthrough educational initiatives.
What all activities are involved in this programmeIJ
The company’s efforts include Dell business giving programmes, employee matching grants, in-kind giving and employee volunteer time. Our team members are the rallying spirit in our commitment to making a meaningful difference in local communities through their volunteer efforts.
Dell and the American India Foundation have partnered to provide access to technology to more than 14,000 children in 30 plus under-served schools. learning links Foundation with DYl promotes digital literacy and providing digital content to enhance student learning in Science and Math for students under the ages of five to 17.
Tell us about Dell Giving and other initiativesIJ
In India we have partnered with 15 NGOs and in the last two years, Dell Giving has made significant investments of nearly nine million in grants this year to support programmes in underserved communities in various cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mohali, Kolkata and Pune.
What is the annual budget of DYlP IJ
Our annual budget for India is USD 2.5 million.
Does Dell encourage inclusive educationIJ
Absolutely, more than 50 per cent girls have enrolled in our programmes and we also fund schools such as Amar Jyoti and Gnanadeepam, who work with special children.
Tell us about Dell’s social entrepreneurship initiativeIJ
Dell supports the Dell Social Innovation Challenge (DSIC) as part of a broad commitment to entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is at the core of Dell’s identity since the company was founded by Michael Dell. Our aim is to create a movement and understanding that innovators and entrepreneurs are not born, but can be created through the right community, support, tools and inspiration.
We’ve focused our efforts on closing the digital divide, helping educate those who might not otherwise receive an education, and on social entrepreneurship.