The Karuna Computer Education Centre – a pioneering project

Viashali answers questions about the Karuna Computer Institute.

What made you want to start this project?

We wanted to give the benefits of computer literacy to girls. It is now an IT world, and if they do not get access to IT skills, this is a lack in their education. We started with girls from the local hostel.

What sort of things do you teach in the Institute?

Most of the slum students are totally unfamiliar with the computer. Sometimes they are afraid to touch the keyboard. So that's why we start with basic fundamental knowledge of computers and an introduction to basic MS office. When they are interested in further courses, we teach them an accounts package and DTP, leading to a state government recognised qualification.

How do the slum children manage with computer programs being in English?

We provide them with study material and teach them in their native language, Marathi. Some of the students are from a Muslim background and we teach these students in Hindi. But we tell them that all the literature for computers is in English, so you must try to learn some English for computers. But while teaching them we use their mother tongue. All children in India are now learning some English but often the standard is not very high. So this year we will offer English classes in the computer Institute.

The Institute has expanded to be working with more than just the hostel girls. What is your main goal now?

The main social goal of the Institute is to concentrate on other slum students especially women, because they are still socially oppressed. Their family situation and social conditions are difficult, resulting in low levels of confidence. Because of lack of skill they miss out on good job opportunities. Through this computer course, they will get important skills and develop independence.
We are now including not just the hostel girls (80 girls), women and children from the slums but also boys from a neighbouring hostel.