Drop-out rate among BMC students fall after computer literacyproject

Mumbai, Apr 11 (UNI) The drop-out rate amongst students of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) schools has fallen dramatically after completion of a three-phase computer literacy programme by a city-based voluntary organisation.

The announcement was made by Sterlite Foundation here today, stating it had concluded a three-phase computer literacy programme in these schools.

The Foundation, which works towards bridging the digital divide between the privileged and less privileged ones by introducing the latter to computer skills at an early age, has successfully set up computer labs in 850 primary schools of BMC. It had also carried out necessary electrification and furniture work and would provide maintenance for 5 years. During the programme, it had trained 790 teachers from 2004 when it was kicked off, Sterlite Foundation Trustee Suman Didwania said.

''With the introduction of the programme in civic-run schools, the student dropout rate in these schools has fallen. We have been working towards bridging the digital divide, introducing the less priveleged to computer skills at an early age. We impart training in basic office tools and fundamentals of programming,'' she added.

BMC Programme Coordinator Geeta More-Patil said the civic body plans to start 84 English medium schools from the next academic year and would request the Foundation to continue working with these new schools on similar programmes.

''We are looking forward to more such public-private partnerships with several other NGOs,'' she added.

Lok Sabha MP and chief guest for the programme Priya Dutt lent her support for educational initiatives, saying ''Sterlite has done a wonderful job. A majority of the children in the city go to municipal schools and this is a big beginning towards providing ideal education at municipal schools.'' The Foundation has also announced summer camps on computers, dramatics, art and craft at BMC schools. It provides basic computer and vocational training programmes to prison inmates, besides less privileged youth. It also conducts tailoring and beautician courses for women, tribal and rural development initiatives across the nation.

UNI