Gyaan Center Project:
We reached out to other organizations across India who might be interested in our work. Amongst all of them one stood out. The organization, known as CITTA, runs relief work for women in rural communities. They also built and manage a world famous school, called the The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl’s School. The area they are based in, Jaisalmer, is where female literacy is at the lowest, only reaching 35.5%; women also mostly remain in the home performing domestic duties. In Jaisalmar, 26.8% of girls are reportedly married off before the legal age, where this cycle leads to impoverishment. We worked with Citta and introduce a robotics program into Jaisalmer so the girls could be exposed to stem education!
Running The Program:
How Did it Begin?
Jaisalmer, a remote region of Rajasthan, faces significant challenges, including some of the lowest literacy rates for women in India. Given these circumstances, I chose to focus my attention on this area, recognizing the untapped potential it holds for future growth and development. By addressing these challenges, we can create opportunities for empowerment and transformation, particularly through education and community-driven initiatives.
How Was it Executed?
To raise $40,000 for creating a computer lab in Jaisalmer, I began by crafting a detailed proposal that outlined the project's objectives, the specific costs involved, and the long-term benefits for the community. I reached out to past donors and supporters through personalized emails and phone calls, updating them on previous successes and emphasizing the impact their continued support could have. I also connected with companies with relevant CSR goals, presenting the project as an opportunity to align their brand with education and community development, and offered them opportunities to showcase their involvement. To broaden my network, I attended conferences and events focused on education and social impact, where I connected with new potential donors, shared my vision, and forged partnerships that would help fund the computer lab. Through these efforts, I successfully raised the required $40,000.This is a frequently asked question?
How Will the Project Stay Alive?
Once the computer lab is funded and established, I will ensure its sustainability by guiding the school with external resources and ongoing support. This includes partnering with local organizations, government programs, and educational foundations to provide continuous training for teachers and students, as well as access to updated technology and software. I will also establish a network of volunteers and experts who can provide technical assistance and mentorship as needed. Additionally, I will work to secure long-term funding through grants, donations, and partnerships, ensuring the lab remains operational and serves future generations. By building local capacity and establishing a strong support system, the lab will remain a vital resource for the community for years to come.
What Else Did You Do?
In addition to establishing the computer lab, I also introduced a robotics program using LEGO kits, similar to the initiative I led last year in Ahmedabad. The hands-on experience with robotics not only helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also sparks their interest in technology and innovation. To ensure the continuity of this program after I leave, I plan to train local teachers and mentors who can carry the program forward. By providing them with the necessary resources, lesson plans, and ongoing guidance, I will empower them to run the robotics sessions independently. This way, even after my departure, the students will continue to benefit from the program, and it will remain an integral part of their learning experience.
Shiv Patel brought an extraordinary spark to Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School during his 3-day robotics workshop. His ability to connect deeply with our students and lead them with empathy, kindness, and unwavering dedication was remarkable. For many of our girls, this was their very first encounter with coding and technology. Through Shiv’s expert guidance, they not only learned block-based programming but also explored the use of sensors—light, touch, distance, and color—to build and code their own car and dancing robot.
What sets Shiv apart is his incredible leadership and the compassion he brings to his work. He sees his success in the progress and empowerment of others, and this spirit shone brightly as he nurtured our students' creativity and critical thinking. His efforts have left an indelible mark, inspiring our girls to believe in their potential and explore a future in STEM.
Thank you, Shiv, for making such a powerful difference in our students’ lives. Your kindness and dedication will continue to inspire them for years to come!
– Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.