Code for future: NGO working for digital parity in government schools

While there are several NGOs across the district that are supporting school education by providing books, stationery items, uniform and other needs, Edumust is preparing students for future by acquainting them with coding technology.

Edumust recently inaugurated its fifth computer laboratory at Olympian Mandeep Singh Government Primary School at Mithapur village, near here. There are four other schools in Jalandhar’s peripheral villages — government primary schools at Dhina, Sofi Pind, Tajpur and Lohar Sukha Singh — which have been adopted by the NGO under the project.

Edumust has provided the schools with 8-10 computer systems, LAN, computer desks and the latest software. It has also provided the schools with trained woman teachers from respective villages. “Our NGO first trains a young woman in coding. She completes the full course and then trains the kids in the school. We are thus also empowering village women under the project,” said Kamna Raj Aggarwalla, a prominent businesswoman, who is behind the project.

Aggarwalla shared, “Edumust started functioning in 2015, but we were into providing other basic needs to schools. We realised that many kids in government schools were doing well in other subjects, but lagged in computer education. So, we came up with a project that aims at digital equality. We want to take the project to 20 more schools in near future.”

At Mithapur school yesterday, the project was formally inaugurated by District Education Officer (DEO) Harjinder Kaur and Deputy District Education Officer (DDEO) Manish Sharma, along with school head Harsharan Kaur and the staff.

DEO Harjinder Kaur emphasised the importance of computer education at formative stages, highlighting how early exposure to digital tools can enhance foundational literacy and numeracy. She also underscored the value of a Self-Organised Learning Environment (SOLE), wherein children develop problem-solving skills and autonomy during their learning journey once they are exposed to this at early stages. The guests witnessed the students in action, exploring educational software and demonstrating their curiosity and excitement. The enthusiasm of the young learners reinforced the impact of integrating technology with foundational education.

Edumust board members Seema Handa and Parbal Partap Singh shared the vision of the organisation — to equip students with essential digital skills, opening doors to a life of dignity and security.

Outlining expansion plans for 2025-26, Amarjot Singh, Executive Director of Edumust, stated that the organisation will reach eight more schools by May and a full-scale implementation of the programme will begin in July. The Edumust programme team shared insights into the model of the Edumust, which focuses on hiring and training teachers from the same communities to ensure sustainable implementation. DEO Harjinder Kaur and DDEO Manish Sharma appreciated Edumust’s commitment to digital literacy, encouraging the team to expand their reach.