School on Tab - Bridging the digital need gap

The pandemic has resulted in schools either shutting down or moving their academic sessions online. But those from marginalized communities cannot avail these facilities, either due to lack of gadgets or unaffordability to invest in one. Connectivity is also a big issue.Using well-researched data, complemented with thorough verificationto map out the beneficiaries in need, CFTI distributed about 700 tabs, last year in Raigad. This year, it aims at distributing 1000+ tabs, each containing 1GB RAM with basic skills software, atab protection cover, a pair of noise-canceling earphones, and 1GB daily data recharge for the entire academic session in the urban slum of Dharavi.

“The parents of these children living in the slum areas of Dharavi are laborers in unorganized sectors. From small-time garage mechanics to drivers, construction workers, maids, plumbers, wireman, etc. They cannot afford gadget and hence the children are bereft of an education, also it is fairly clear that these children will be forced to drop outand pushed into child labour and early marriages, due to their social circumstances” says Chitralekha Patil, the Mentor Trustee at CFTI.

While the campaign is building up on special social media handles@schoolontab (Instagram), CFTI is already distributing the first batch of tabs in Dharavi today from the funds that have already come in through corporate donors. Distribution is being done in batches of 50 kids at a time to maintain social distancing.

Mumbai ki Rani Malishka will be hosting a Facebook Live session with the children from Dharavi today as they receive their tabs.This is an attempt to further create awareness and reach out for more financial support as well as retail donation, the School on Tab initiative.

Sharing her thoughts Malishka Mendonsa, Cause Patronsays “I believe a good education is one’s best foundation and no child should have to forgo their right to an education for the want of a device. It is my pleasure and honour to be able to support the school on tab campaign that is enabling children from Dharavi resume online schooling by donating Tabs.CFTI is distributing the first batch of tabs today, and I will join the children via a Facebook Live this evening at 5pm. Let’s all join to support the cause of bridging the digital divide by contributing on www.schoolontab.org"

We sincerely hope individuals as well as corporate patrons come forward to support the issue which is the urgent need of the hour to ensure literate futures for our children. Donation can be made online through www.schoolontab.org and all donations are eligible for Tax benefit under Section 80G.

ABOUT CFTI

CFTI is a grassroots level non-governmental organization based in Maharashtra that works towards bringing growth opportunities to rural India, through education, poverty alleviation, healthcare, women empowerment, and diverse economic prospects.

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