CherYsh eShiksha Field Projects

Empowering Rural Children Through Holistic Education and Digital Literacy

The e-Shiksha program bridges the digital divide by offering quality technology education to rural students. By empowering Learning Facilitators (LFs) and Technology educators and equipping e-Shiksha centers with digital tools, the program fosters holistic digital learning and problem-solving skills through coding, digital making, and computational thinking.

Key Features of e-Shiksha:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Empowering Educators:
    • Ongoing training for Learning Facilitators to master digital tools, deliver interactive lessons, and integrate computational skills into teaching.

Impact Highlights

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.

Key Partnerships

Technology, Learning, and Livelihood Infrastructure – A Flagship Partnership

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

  1. Develop Digital Proficiency: Enhance programming, logical reasoning, and physical computing skills among rural students.
  2. Foster Creativity: Encourage students to create projects for coding competitions, promoting innovation and critical thinking.
  3. Empower Learning Facilitators: Train young women as Master Trainers to sustain and scale the program.
  4. Promote Inclusivity: Increase access to quality technology education for rural girls, creating a gender-equitable learning environment.
  5. 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.

E-Shiksha – Digital Educational Program
Digitization at CherYsh Shikshas

What People Say

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 motherCherYsh™ 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 DanaggeHeadmaster, Janaga
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 B BhatkhandeStudent, Standard 6, Government Higher Primary School, Alur

Our Sponsors & Partners

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Anita Singh

Anita Singh has worked in the advertising and marketing industry for several years, handling brands across various industries, including IT services, consumer durables, and ice creams. She is a highly motivated strategic leader with more than 25 years of global corporate experience and success in aligning people, brand and organization propositions to deliver business value – both for scaling and growth.She is dedicated to supporting education and livelihoods for underprivileged women and children and supporting the needs of the elderly and less fortunate. As a Trustee for the CherYsh Trust, she works to better the prospects of women and children through programs that prepare them for future challenges.