Technology is fast becoming the language of opportunity, and at Beyond Key, that message is being translated into action. Amruta Kharnal, Senior Manager – People & Culture, offers a compelling look into Beyond Bridges, the company’s flagship CSR initiative that is redefining what access and inclusion mean for children at Jeevanshala. With a focus on hands-on digital education, the program goes far beyond teaching computer basics—it builds confidence, nurtures curiosity, and sets the stage for long-term success. In this conversation, Amruta shares how the initiative is creating meaningful impact, empowering young learners, and reflecting the company’s deep-rooted belief in education as a driver of real, lasting change.
Scroll down to read the full interview:
Q: Why is digital literacy increasingly seen as a fundamental skill for children, particularly those from underserved communities?
A: Children learn faster through visual and hands-on methods. Digital screens captivate their attention, making learning engaging and efficient, especially for underserved communities with limited resources. Digital literacy equips them with essential skills for education and future careers, bridging the digital divide. It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability in a tech-driven world. By mastering digital tools, these children gain access to opportunities, empowering them to compete equally. This skill is vital for their personal growth, societal contribution, and economic mobility, ensuring they thrive in an increasingly digital landscape.
Q: How does the Beyond Bridges initiative exemplify the growing responsibility of corporate organizations in driving social development?
A: The Beyond Bridges initiative reflects corporate organizations’ growing role in social development by leveraging resources, expertise, and networks to tackle systemic challenges. It goes beyond philanthropy, fostering sustainable impact through education and skill-building for underserved communities. By prioritizing digital literacy, Beyond Key addresses critical gaps in access to technology, empowering children for future success. This initiative demonstrates how companies can align business values with social good, creating shared value. It sets a model for corporate responsibility, encouraging others to invest in community development, drive equity, and contribute meaningfully to societal progress through targeted, impactful programs.
Q: In what ways has Beyond Key’s CSR philosophy shaped the objectives and implementation of the Beyond Bridges program?
A: Beyond Key’s CSR philosophy centers on empowering future generations through education, particularly for underserved children. Recognizing children as society’s foundation, the Beyond Bridges program focuses on digital literacy to provide equal learning opportunities. This belief drives the program’s objectives to foster skill development and confidence. Implementation involves tailored curricula, hands-on learning, and volunteer engagement, ensuring accessibility and impact. The initiative reflects a commitment to long-term societal progress, connecting employees and communities in meaningful ways. By prioritizing education, Beyond Key aims to unlock potential, inspire hope, and create lasting opportunities for children to succeed in a digital world.
Q: How does the teaching methodology at Jeevanshala foster active participation and confidence among children learning digital skills?
A: Jeevanshala’s teaching methodology creates a supportive environment for underserved children, encouraging active participation and confidence. A safe space welcomes questions, embraces mistakes as learning opportunities, and celebrates all successes. Interactive, hands-on activities engage students, while peer learning fosters collaboration, allowing them to teach and learn from each other. This builds teamwork and self-assurance. Teachers use positive reinforcement to boost morale, ensuring every child feels valued. By tailoring lessons to their needs, the program empowers students to explore digital skills confidently, equipping them with tools to express their talents and thrive in a tech-driven world.
Q: What long-term outcomes does Beyond Key envision for students gaining foundational computer knowledge through this initiative?
A: Beyond Key envisions that foundational computer knowledge will empower students with confidence and essential skills for a digital future. This initiative supports their education by enhancing learning capabilities, preparing them for diverse career opportunities, and simplifying daily tasks. By bridging the digital divide, it ensures underserved children have equal chances to succeed. Long-term outcomes include improved academic performance, increased employability, and the ability to navigate technology-driven environments. Beyond Key aims for these students to become self-reliant, innovative contributors to society, equipped to pursue their dreams and thrive in an increasingly digital and competitive global landscape.
Q: What have been some of the most rewarding experiences or feedback received from students or employee volunteers involved in the program?
A: The enthusiasm of children after their first session was a highlight, as they eagerly anticipated each class and showed curiosity about new topics. Their excitement fostered a vibrant learning environment. Employee volunteers found deep fulfillment in connecting with the students, forming meaningful bonds that enhanced the teaching experience. Feedback highlighted how these interactions created mutual growth, with volunteers inspired by the children’s progress and passion. These moments underscored the program’s impact, reinforcing its value in building skills and relationships. The shared joy and sense of purpose made every session rewarding for all involved.
Q: How does Beyond Key ensure the digital literacy curriculum remains inclusive, accessible, and aligned with the pace of technological change?
A: Beyond Key ensures inclusivity and accessibility by conducting orientation and assessment sessions to gauge children’s learning levels. The curriculum is tailored to their needs, using simple, engaging methods to teach digital skills. To stay aligned with technological advancements, the program incorporates relevant tools and concepts, preparing students for real-world applications. Regular evaluations ensure the content remains current and effective. By focusing on practical skills with long-term utility, Beyond Key empowers students to adapt to evolving technology, fostering confidence and competence. This approach bridges educational gaps and supports sustainable growth in a fast-changing digital landscape.
Q: What implementation challenges has the Beyond Bridges initiative encountered at Jeevanshala, and how have these been overcome?
A: A key challenge was addressing diverse age groups and learning levels among students, which initially hindered uniform progress. Beyond Key overcame this by conducting assessments to identify gaps and designing a flexible curriculum tailored to different needs. Customized lesson plans and small group activities ensured inclusivity. Continuous feedback from students and volunteers helped refine delivery methods. These adaptations improved engagement and learning outcomes. The process taught valuable lessons in adaptability, enabling the program to evolve and better serve the children, ensuring effective skill-building despite initial hurdles in managing varied learning paces and capabilities.
Q: What are the current participation statistics for the program in terms of enrolled students and contributing employee volunteers?
A: As a summer camp, the Beyond Bridges initiative enrolled over 20 children, providing them with digital literacy training. A dedicated team of employee volunteers supported the program, delivering lessons and fostering engagement. Their commitment ensured personalized attention for each student, enhancing the learning experience. The manageable group size allowed for tailored instruction, catering to diverse learning needs. This structure facilitated strong connections between volunteers and students, creating a collaborative environment. The participation reflects Beyond Key’s focus on impactful, community-driven education, with volunteers playing a crucial role in the program’s success and reach.
Q: Have there been observable or measurable improvements in student engagement or learning outcomes since the initiative’s launch?
A: Since the initiative’s launch, student engagement and learning outcomes have shown steady improvement. Each session began with a 15-minute interactive teaching activity, boosting participation and confidence. By the program’s end, students demonstrated a strong grasp of digital concepts, reflecting enhanced understanding. Computer learning manuals were distributed to support ongoing learning. Observable progress included increased enthusiasm, better problem-solving skills, and active participation in lessons. These outcomes highlight the program’s success in fostering digital literacy and empowerment, equipping students with tools for future academic and personal growth in a technology-driven world.
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