“I used to be hesitant to speak on stage, but after participating in the life skills sessions, I gained confidence. Thanks to Project Umeed,” shared Sanjana, student of Government Senior Secondary School, Kurthala, Nuh, Haryana.
The project Umeed creates equitable learning opportunities for rural schoolchildren by providing enhanced Digital and Life Skills Awareness (DLSA), leading to their overall learning and empowerment. The project is a partnership with Teach for Life supported by Trees for Life, India Development, and S M Sehgal Foundation, which is implementing the project on the ground.
The DLSA course has been operational at Government Senior Secondary School, located in village Kurthala, block Nuh, Haryana, since March 2025. Sixty students are enrolled in this course that is led and facilitated by a dedicated instructor.
Students engaged in the Digital and Life Skills class learning hands-on computer skills
Students engaged in the Digital and Life Skills class learning hands-on computer skills
The course covers essential topics related to learning about computers, technology, and cyber safety; developing important social and emotional abilities in children; building self–confidence, providing career guidance for goal setting; gaining knowledge about local participation for village development, familiarity with key government programs, and becoming informed, engaged citizens.
Topics such as “Me and My Self” and “Communication Skills” boost children’s confidence strengthen their thinking abilities and communication aptitudes.
Students Shine at the Youth Parliament
With this new learning and enthusiasm, two girl’s students, Sanjana and Renu from Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Kurthala, Nuh, who attend the DLSA classes, were selected for the Youth Parliament program. They were both excited and a little hesitant. They diligently prepared and practiced their skills on effective communication, brainstorming and role playing for over a month. Finally, on the day of the event, the entire auditorium erupted in applause as the girls confidently shared their thoughts on the Youth Parliament. Sanjana moderated the event as speaker, and Renu presented her views as finance minister. Other students participated as members of Parliament. The whole process further strengthened the students’ understanding of social issues and the democratic process. The event showcased the students’ development of confidence and leadership skills.
“I realized how important it is to present your thoughts clearly. This experience helped me hone my life skills, especially the topics of communication skills and ‘Me and Myself’ had a deep impact on me.” – Renu, student, Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Kurthala, Nuh, Haryana
The same course is being conducted at Government Senior Secondary School, Badarpur village, bock Nagina, district Nuh, with another sixty students. As part of their digital awareness sessions, students learned how to use computers and online platforms to access government programs and services. They were taught the importance of the Aadhaar card and guided through the process of downloading or updating their Aadhaar credentials. Students were made aware that their Aadhaar card serves to establish and safeguard their identity, enabling them to access government services and avail different benefits.
Earlier, the students had to depend on the Common Service Centre or Aadhaar Seva Kendras, located 2–3 km away from the village, to download or update government documents such as the Aadhaar card, ration card, or other certificates. Each time they had to update their documents, they had to pay a fee of as much as Rs 100, plus a transportation cost of Rs20. Even then, issues often remained unresolved, forcing them to make repeated trips.
With their newfound confidence in using technology, students no longer need to visit CSC centres and Aadhaar service centres repeatedly, thus saving both time and money. This experience has proven to be a significant step toward achieving autonomy.
The students’ parents and the village council were deeply impressed by this initiative. They expressed their gratitude to S M Sehgal Foundation and urged that more such digital awareness courses should run in the future, so that other people of the village can also become digitally empowered.
About the Authors: Indu Verma, Sr. Program Lead, Transform Lives one school at a time, S M Sehgal Foundation
Mahesh Sharan and Mosim Khan, Instructors, Transform Lives one school at a time, S M Sehgal Foundation
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