Ericsson to launch community-based Digital Learning Centers for young women

Ericsson in collaboration with Plan India today announced the launch of its community based ‘Digital Learning Centers’ program for young women living in urban slum clusters of Delhi and NCR.

The Ericsson Digital Learning Centers, set up in collaboration with Plan India, utilize technology solutions to provide education to women in the age group of 15-25 years within their own communities, thereby overcoming the challenge of limited mobility. Three ‘Ericsson Digital Learning Centers’ are being inaugurated today as part of the Company’s Connect to Learn’ initiative in India. Ericsson plans to set up 12 Digital Learning Centers until the first quarter of 2016.

Manoj Dawane, Head of Technology, Government and Industry Relations, Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility, Ericsson India and Manju Khatri, Deputy Director of Education, Government of Delhi inaugurated the Digital Learning Center today in the presence of the local community and representatives of Ericsson India and Plan India, the implementing partner for this Project.

Speaking on the occasion, Dawane said, “As a leading advocate of Technology for Good, we believe in the transformative potential of ICT. Our partnership with Plan India is based on the recognition of the important link between limited mobility of women in India and their ability to access progressive learning opportunities. By using ICT, we are providing access to learning and education to these young women within their own community. This Project should benefit around 15,000 women over the next three years.”

In addition to Dwarka, the Company plans to set up Digital Learning Centers in the urban clusters of Holambi Kalan and Rangpuri Pahari as part of this project. The learning modules that are being employed by trainers have been standardized in collaboration with State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), education department of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and other knowledge platforms. The Centers will also provide tutorial support on subjects like mathematics, science and English. In addition to educational content, the project aims to raise awareness amongst the girls on issues related to their safety and security.

Ericsson has ongoing partnerships and programs with leading NGOs in India - Plan International (India Chapter), Smile Foundation and Pratham Education Foundation for its Connect to Learn initiative. Connect to Learn implements information and communications technology (ICT) in schools in resource poor settings to ensure that children, no matter where they live, have access to learning resources and quality education.