Shashank, a student at S. Madamangala Government High School in Doddakandanahalli village, Karnataka, is discovering new opportunities through digital learning. Through Project UMEED’s Digital and Life Skills Awareness (DLSA) program, he is developing essential skills to plan his future, explore career options, and contribute to his family’s well-being.
As he gains exposure to computers and digital tools, Shashank is building confidence and broadening his understanding of the opportunities available to him. The program helps him develop practical life skills, explore new possibilities, and take steps toward a brighter future.
Project UMEED is supported by Teach for Life, Trees for Life, India Development and Relief Fund (IDRF), Guru Krupa Foundation, and Sehgal Foundation in the US. S M Sehgal Foundation in India leads program implementation on the ground.
During a DLSA training session, Shashank learned essential life skills, including goal setting, planning, and decision-making. The session “Goals and Plans” encouraged him to reflect on his aspirations and identify the steps to achieve them. The session helped him understand the importance of dedication, effective communication, and continuous learning for shaping his future.
Inspired by sessions on goal setting and career opportunities, Shashank aspires to become an engineer. He wants to explore emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) to expand his knowledge and prepare for future opportunities.
Through the training, Shashank gained practical experience in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. He also learned about cyber safety, including the importance of protecting personal information and recognizing potential online threats.
Shashank is now applying his learning beyond the classroom by helping his family access useful information through digital platforms and services. He has introduced his parents to agricultural apps and platforms such as AgriApp, AgroStar, Plantix, as well as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, a crop insurance scheme. These resources help his family access information on farming practices, crop-related problems, and crop insurance, which support more informed agricultural decisions. Gaining information about government welfare programs, including Ayushman Bharat, has helped him understand how digital platforms make information about public services and available benefits more accessible.
Shashank’s journey illustrates how digital and life skills awareness helps rural students broaden their horizons, build confidence, and work toward their aspirations. By developing practical skills, planning for his future, and sharing useful knowledge with his family, he is putting his learning into action.
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