CherYsh eShiksha Program
Education of girls in rural India is one of the cornerstone principles at CherYsh. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why CherYsh was founded. Another pivotal program under this principle is the “CherYsh eShiksha Program.”
The eShiksha program bridges the digital divide by offering quality technology education to rural students. By empowering Learning Facilitators and Technology educators and equipping eShiksha Centers with cost-effective digital tools, the program fosters holistic digital learning and problem-solving skills through coding, digital making, and computational thinking.
Primary Objectives of eShiksha Program
Digital Literacy for All
Training students in programming, logical reasoning, and physical computing through hands-on coding in Scratch, Python, and HTML.
Encouraging project-based learning, with students creating competition-worthy projects annually.
Community-Centric Design
Revamping existing community spaces to establish fully equipped computer labs accessible to students from Grades 5 to 9.
Engaging local women as trained Learning Facilitators to build sustainable computing education ecosystems.
Integrated Curriculum
A 50-hour, grade-specific computing curriculum that blends academic subjects (Math, Science, and English) with practical coding applications.
Physical computing, problem-solving, and design-thinking modules emphasize real-world relevance.
Empowering Educators
Ongoing training for Learning Facilitators to master digital tools, deliver interactive lessons, and integrate computational skills into teaching.
Program Impact
Operating in Haliyal Taluk, Karnataka, for over three years, e-Shiksha has:
Reached over 100 students per center across multiple rural villages, benefiting learners aged 10 to 16.
Created a recurring 12-month intervention cycle to provide continuous support for students and facilitators.
A Flagship Partnership: Technology, Learning, and Livelihood Infrastructure
CherYsh launched its flagship partnership with KLE Technological University in 2012, which has grown into a groundbreaking joint venture in 2024 with the establishment of the KLE-CherYsh Center of Excellence for rural STEM education. Recognizing that modern learning and livelihood programs depend on technology, electric power, computers, and Wi-Fi, CherYsh developed strategic partnerships with KLE Technological University, Intel, Selco and Mphasis to overcome these challenges.
The KLE-CherYsh Partnership focuses on sustainable digital solutions for rural villages, that includes stable electric and communications solutions. Since 2012, KLE’s Rural Innovation Through Education (RITE) volunteer program has empowered university students to mentor rural children in technology and mothers in entrepreneurship, enabling knowledge-sharing and skill-building in underserved areas. Over 100 STEM college students have participated in the RITE program, contributing to rural development.
To further support CherYsh and other partners step in by providing training in software, communications, and digital hardware for both students and Learning Facilitators (LFs). These partnerships have been instrumental in scaling CherYsh’s modern learning and livelihood programs across rural communities.
CherYsh collaborates with leading organizations to enhance the e-Shiksha initiative:
PiJam Foundation: Supplies content, hardware, and training for digital literacy programs.
Raspberry Pi Foundation: Provides affordable hardware (Raspberry Pi processors) and baseline assessments.
ThoughtWorks: Delivers communications platforms and technological infrastructure.
STEM Integration in e-Shiksha
To deepen the impact of e-Shiksha, the program integrates STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education:
Curriculum Design: Practical modules in robotics, circuitry, and engineering challenges.
STEM Kits: Tools and resources for interactive experiments, emphasizing applied learning.
Educator Support: Training Learning Facilitators in STEM education methodologies.
Program Objectives
Develop Digital Proficiency: Enhance programming, logical reasoning, and physical computing skills among rural students.
Foster Creativity: Encourage students to create projects for coding competitions, promoting innovation and critical thinking.
Empower Learning Facilitators: Train young women as Master Trainers to sustain and scale the program.
Promote Inclusivity: Increase access to quality technology education for rural girls, creating a gender-equitable learning environment.
Integrate STEM Skills: Equip students with practical knowledge that bridges academics and real-world applications.
Outcomes and Vision
Establish a pipeline for technical education, higher studies, and tech careers in rural areas.
Empower a network of women Master Trainers who can teach tech in regional languages.
Close the digital divide, providing students with tools to compete with their urban counterparts. Participate in this century’s digital economy
Spark local innovation by creating platforms for tech expression and entrepreneurial exploration.
With support from the Ministry of Education and continued collaborations, CherYsh aims to transform rural STEM education and livelihoods, ensuring every child has the tools to thrive in a technology-driven world.
Testimonials
“I started as a junior Shiksha facilitator at CherYsh™ Trust and later became a computer facilitator. Despite initial challenges, training equipped me to teach computers to students, many from tribal communities. Teaching them requires patience. I’m grateful to CherYsh™ for bringing the program to this remote village. The villagers have embraced it, providing all the necessary support.”
– Ms. Kanchana Kammar Learning Facilitator, CherYsh eShiksha Program, Tattigera village
“As a proud eShiksha program parent, I’m thrilled to see my daughter, Soumya’s, incredible progress. Before joining, she had no computer or technology experience. Now, she’s confident and skilled. Watching her work and enhance her tech abilities daily is wonderful. I’m fortunate Soumya had CherYsh™’s eShiksha program.”
– Neelavva Soumya, Mother, CherYsh eShiksha Program, Arlwad village
“In a small classroom, the eShiksha program began. Initially unfamiliar with computers, the children learned basics in a fun way. They used mice and explored Raspberry Pi tools for educational software. As weeks passed, they mastered tasks like typing, creating digital art, and coding simple programs. Their excitement grew as they discovered technology’s endless possibilities. CherYsh, a life-changing force in our villages, made this possible.”
– Mr. M Danagge, Headmaster, Janaga Village
“Initially unaware of computers, I assumed learning MS Word and Excel would suffice. However, CherYsh™ offered more than that. I discovered coding and computing, which ignited my passion. Seeing the LED light up after successfully coding filled me with pride and joy. I’m grateful for this chance to learn and grow.”
– Aaditya Bhatkhande, Student, Standard 6, Government Higher Primary School, Alur
LinkedIn
