Computer literacy is defined as the knowledge and ability to utilize computers and related technology efficiently, with a range of skills covering levels from elementary use to programming and advanced problem solving. Computer literacy is certainly necessary to master in order to be digitally literate, but computer literacy in and of itself is not enough to be competent in today’s world of work, learning, and connections. Acquiring digital literacy provides the opportunity for rural people in the field of education, financial inclusion, accessing best health services, getting employment, selling their goods and services etc. To be digitally literate some level of computer competency is essentially required.
With this in mind, a computer lab has been set up at Mastupura village of Waghodiya in Vadodara district under the ‘SARALsamudaay’ project supported by L&T Hydrocarbon Engineering, along with our technical partner SCORE Livelihood Foundation. A total of 34 students have enrolled and are undergoing basic computer literacy and digital operations through internet. The objective is to increase digital awareness of the community and thus there are no age barriers to learn the IT skills. We have a mixed age group that hjave registered for the programme and the syllabus is also designed accordingly to fulfill their learning requirements.
Over the last few months, the computer lab has fulfilled the much essential requirement whereby the students were provided training in Microsoft word, internet surfing, making online payments, downloading, fill up forms and uploading them etc.
Certificates too were awarded to all of them after having successfully completed the course. The Computer Lab has served its purpose.