In a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in rural education, India Literacy Project (ILP) and Verizon India have launched the School Transformation Programme (STP), an ambitious initiative aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure and resources in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka. The program, inaugurated on August 22, 2024, at the Government High School in Karambakkam, Chennai, is part of Verizon India’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts.

This programme addresses critical gaps in digital skills among rural students aged 14-17, aligning with the National Education Policy and National ICT Policy. Despite these policies’ emphasis on digital literacy, many rural schools lack the necessary infrastructure, teaching expertise, and access to digital resources. The ILP-Verizon partnership seeks to overcome these challenges by establishing state-of-the-art computer and science labs in 78 schools across the three states, directly benefiting over 30,000 students.

Spanning three years, the STP initially targets 38 schools, with the addition of 40 more in the second phase, starting in FY 2024-25. This initiative is set to empower students by boosting their confidence in technology, fostering scientific experimentation, and nurturing problem-solving skills—key competencies for the future workforce.

The launch event was graced by Mr. Shankar Arumugavelu, EVP & President of Verizon Global Services, who inaugurated the new ICT and science labs at the Karambakkam school. Senior leaders from Verizon India, including Mr. Vijayaraman Subramanian, Vice President & Managing Director, and Mr. Prasad Annadanam, Senior Director – Finance, among others, also attended the event.

In his keynote address, Mr. A L Rangarajan, Country Manager of India Literacy Project, emphasized the transformative potential of the STP in reshaping the educational landscape of rural India.