Digital Education Learning Innovation Clusters (DELIC)

Aim of the Project

Promoting Technology‑Enhanced Education in Remote, Rural, and Tribal Communities

The aim of this project is to integrate meaningful and accessible digital technologies into schools located in remote tribal regions. Technology has the power to open new avenues of learning, connect students to diverse knowledge networks, and serve as a powerful navigational tool—provided it is accessible, properly implemented, and well understood.

Manya Pragathi is actively working to strengthen the tribal education ecosystem and reduce the school dropout rate. In the Seethampeta region of Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh, there are 1,404 remote tribal villages spanning both Scheduled and Non‑Scheduled areas across 301 Grama Panchayats. As a pilot initiative, we are establishing Digital Education Learning Innovation Clusters in selected tribal schools to demonstrate the transformative potential of technology in education.

These clusters aim to support Indigenous communities that typically have limited access to books, newspapers, television, tutoring, and other learning resources. For learners facing economic hardship or irregular schooling, digital tools offer flexible, adaptable learning environments that can help bridge educational gaps. This virtual learning ecosystem is designed to give both adults and students exposure to global knowledge networks and opportunities otherwise unavailable in their immediate surroundings.

E‑Learning: Empowering Tribal Students Through Digital Literacy

Digitized learning enables students to track their progress, analyze their performance, and understand where improvements are needed. It also empowers teachers to assess multiple learners using standardized criteria, reducing human bias and supporting fair evaluation.

For tribal students, connectivity through technology unlocks new worlds—global classrooms, digital friendships, and access to expertise far beyond their geographic boundaries. Technology is not just a tool for learning; it is essential for navigating modern society.

Technological literacy extends beyond operating devices. It involves understanding how digital tools shape communication, self‑expression, and participation in the world. For tribal students pursuing technical jobs, higher education, or skill‑based opportunities, this literacy is crucial.

When students gain digital access and receive proper guidance, technology liberates them from physical isolation and cultural barriers. It allows them to take charge of their learning, explore personal interests, and connect with peers worldwide. With well‑implemented digital resources, tribal students benefit both academically and socially.

Addressing the Digital Divide in Tribal Education

Access to digital technologies remains a major challenge in remote tribal communities. Teachers often struggle with isolation, lack of peer support, and insufficient teaching materials. Mobile phones and other portable technologies offer practical solutions by giving teachers access to educational content and supplemental resources that can enhance classroom instruction.

Global Learning Opportunities

E‑learning platforms enable tribal students to interact with peers across the world through initiatives like the Global Classroom Project. These virtual exchanges allow learners to see, hear, and speak with children from other cultures, reinforcing what they learn in textbooks through real‑time interaction.

Integrating Online News and Digital Resources in Tribal Schools

Online news platforms can be used to make classroom discussions richer and more relevant. Students can search for national and international news aligned with classroom topics, helping them become informed, analytical, and globally aware citizens. Integrating technology into the curriculum prepares tribal students to succeed in the digital age and equips them with essential 21st‑century skills.

Impact of COVID‑19 and the Need for Digital Learning in Tribal Communities

The COVID‑19 pandemic profoundly disrupted education systems across the world. Schools, colleges, and universities rapidly shifted to online learning—from primary education all the way to research programs. However, this transition exposed deep inequalities in digital access. Studies show that 27% of children in India do not have access to essential electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, or laptops.
In tribal and remote rural areas, the situation is even more challenging.

Recognizing this urgent need, Manya Pragathi designed and initiated a digital learning project to support education in remote tribal communities. Under the leadership of Founder & Chairman Dr. Gedela Ravi, President Gedela Janardhana Rao, and the advisory and executive teams, the organization set up four digital learning platforms as part of the first phase of this initiative.

The program was launched on 15 January 2021, during the Sankranti festival, in the villages of Paddapallanki Valasa, Samarelli, Donubai, and Chilagam, with plans to expand to many more tribal villages.

As part of the pilot, Mi Smart TVs (80 cm Android versions) were installed, enabling fast and easy access to educational content through mobile‑based streaming. These systems were connected to high‑speed fiber networks to ensure uninterrupted learning.

This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, promoting access to education, knowledge, and community awareness through technologically enabled solutions. Students in remote tribal regions receive engaging lessons enriched with illustrations, diagrams, scenes, and interactive content—making quality education accessible in an online format.

Objectives of the Digital Learning Platform

1. Provide Comprehensive Online Education

Offering educational support for:

LKG to 12th class
Undergraduate and postgraduate learning
Daily digital classes delivered with the help of volunteer B.Ed and D.Ed students
- Morning session: 10 AM to 12 PM (LKG to 5th)
- Afternoon session: 3 PM to 5 PM (6th to 10th)

2. Support Competitive Exam Preparation

Providing resources and online guidance for:

IAS
Group I, II, III
Banking exams
Semester and academic assessments

3. Strengthen Community Awareness

In many remote tribal areas, households do not have access to TVs or learning materials. The digital learning platforms provide:

Educational content
General knowledge
Health, social, and community awareness programs

These centers serve as spaces where entire communities can benefit from digital access.

The Importance of E‑Learning for Tribal Students

Digital learning helps:

Students track their academic progress
Teachers evaluate learners fairly using consistent criteria
Reduce biases in assessments

Technology connects tribal learners with the broader world, offering:

Global friendship networks
Informational access
Exposure to diverse ideas
Opportunities to pursue their interests independently

Technological literacy—understanding not just how to use devices but how technology shapes communication and interaction—is essential for tribal students aspiring to technical careers or higher education.

When used effectively, technology breaks physical and cultural barriers, empowering students to take ownership of their learning and participate fully in the digital world.

Challenges in Digital Access

Lack of access to digital tools remains a major barrier in tribal communities. Teachers working in these areas often experience:

Isolation from peers
Lack of teaching materials
Limited classroom resources

Mobile devices can help bridge these gaps by providing teachers access to learning content and support tools, even in the most remote regions.

Global Learning Opportunities

Digital platforms allow tribal students to connect with peers worldwide through initiatives such as the Global Classroom Project. These real‑time interactions enable learners to see, hear, and communicate with students from other cultures—bringing textbook lessons to life.

Incorporating Digital News and Online Resources

Using online news in the classroom helps students:

Explore national and global issues
Become informed, active citizens
Develop 21st‑century skills
Understand the world beyond their village

Integrating technology in learning prepares tribal youth to thrive in a rapidly advancing digital society.

A Call for Support

This mission is deeply important to us, and the progress we’ve made so far has been possible only because of the generous support of individuals and partners in our community.

Your sponsorship or donation—in any form—directly supports the expansion of digital learning in tribal regions and strengthens our efforts toward Indigenous development.

When you contribute to Manya Pragathi, you help ensure that tribal communities continue to grow, learn, and flourish for generations.
In appreciation of your support, we can acknowledge your organization through:

Branding on promotional materials
Mentions on our website
Inclusion in online communications or event speeches

We invite you to partner with us in this meaningful endeavor.
For collaboration or support, please contact us at:
📧 manyapragathi@gmail.com
📞 7981410407