“I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them.” (- Isaac Asimov).

This statement is very relevant as technology has become an indispensable part of everyone’s lives, especially education. The computer has become a standard of education and provides an alternate way of teaching. Smart classrooms, online classrooms, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Lab, and virtual classes have been trending in recent years because of covid-19. It made us realize the importance of devices and technology when schools closed their classes in 2020 in response to COVID-19 and moved classes online.

Taking action on this at that time, our foundation, initiated a completely new initiative called Digital Education & Empowerment Program (DEEP). Deep in Nepali means a lamp or a light and it describes how we want to use technology to help girls find opportunities even in the darkest times. Through this program, we successfully deployed 20 laptops to the students and staff in need to help close the technology gap while the COVID-19 was at its peak. There was the challenge of getting many devices delivered to each of the children in need. We knew that many students wouldn’t have access to the necessary technology at school and resources at home. Thus, considering all these things, we planned to expand the access to technical or practical knowledge to more students. So, the foundation successfully purchased 40 laptops to be distributed to the school in the rural part of Makwanpur District. This laptop distribution is one of the outstanding achievements for us.

After the purchase, we tested the newly imported devices to check if each was performing well with no damage while importing. We adjusted the screen aspect ratio. We tested the Battery level. To make sure, we rechecked the device after a few days again. Once all the testing was done,  we installed some important software. Then, the Required device drivers were installed. Finally, the laptops were now all fully set to distribute.

The laptops will be distributed in the 1st week of June as the school is taking new admission in May for new sessions. The laptops are only part of the solution. We plan to host regular practical classes will be conducted so that no students would have to miss out on learning technical education. 

About Usha Poudel

Usha Poudel joins us as the Technology Officer to support our team's technical needs as well as looking for ways to incorporate technology education as part of our program. With the recent need for remote learning and virtual clubs, our team realized that we needed to strengthen our technical infrastructure, and bring in additional expertise. We are fortunate to have a local talent like Usha available to work with the team. Usha has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science and Information Technology from Academia International College and she is also studying for her Master’s in Public Administration at Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu. She has previously worked as a Lab Assistant in Academia International College and is also working as a freelancer doing web development and other technical work. She says that travelling and reading books brings her joy and she is most excited about encouraging more girls to pursue technology as a potential career. She realizes we have a lot of work to do to make these opportunities available, and is excited about what the foundation is looking to do with technology.
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