“One of our big dreams is to create a level playing field for underserved girls and women by raising funds for Girls Digital Center in West Bengal. Women and girls need basic computer education and internet access to escape poverty, rise above gender discrimination, and succeed in today’s increasingly digital and global workforce.”
The New Learning Foundation, a private foundation by Amit and Vandana Pamecha, has pledged to match up to $10,000 raised by the global yoga community to provide more Chromebooks and English tutoring to young girls in West Bengal through the end of November!
Please donate to the fundraiser now!
Our pilot Digital Literacy Program was formed in June 2022 with five computers, critical electricity, internet connection, and a professional computer training staff in a safe, accessible, and centrally-located structure. Graduates used their skills to create an online kiosk for bank deposits for villagers.
Last year, the New Learning Foundation generously donated six Chromebooks to this program and the portable technology expanded our reach and impact. Girls could take Chromebooks to other local centers.
Now the New Learning Foundation is offering to match your donation to purchase even more Chromebooks and provide English tutoring to recipients of YGB’s micro-loan and scholarship programs.
This vision is becoming a reality thanks to the collaboration of local and global supporters. Ambassadors from the United States, Netherlands, and Canada who joined the YGB Annual Seva Trip in February witnessed the impact of this program firsthand. They shared their experiences and the importance of continuing to expand this initiative.
Ambassador Testimonies: The Power of Digital Literacy
YGB Ambassadors from the United States, Netherlands, and Canada joined the YGB Annual Seva Trip in February and witnessed this program firsthand. Their testaments of support and encouragement follow:
Anouk Prop, The Netherlands (https://anoukprop.com/en/): The GIRLS DIGITAL PROJECT is creating a fundamental change for girls in West Bengal. Being able to have access to computers and study in English will open a whole new world for them and their opportunities for a sustainable future. And with this, change is not only taking place within their own lives, but also in the lives of women in general, by breaking through deep-rooted traditions and cultural habits, raising awareness in these areas and educating girls to do it differently, and protecting them from sexual trafficking and child marriage. I’m so grateful and honored to contribute and lead this very impactful campaign. Together we can make a difference. Please join me in creating change. Are you with us?
Lauren Peterson, USA (@ohlaurenpeterson): To compete in the modern world the NISHTA girls need to have access to computers, be skilled in the English language, and be computer literate. I support the Digital Project & English Tutoring fundraising campaign because it can help give these hardworking, deserving girls the skills they need to change their lives and the lives of others. When you educate a girl, you elevate her community and future generations. Please donate now as NEW LEARNING FOUNDATION will match your donations up to $10,000!! WooHoo!
Kay Epple, USA (https://dharamsalatc.com/): I am honored to lead such an impactful fundraising campaign for the GIRLS DIGITAL PROJECT. After visiting India with Yoga Gives Back earlier this year and meeting with NISTHA and the girls of rural West Bengal, I know how life-changing access to computers is to their education. Digital skills are paramount for a brighter future. Please join me in providing these girls a chance to transform their futures with opportunities that will provide not only for themselves but their families as well. Help me create real change!
Harmony Slater, Canada (www.harmonyslater.com): This initiative isn’t just about providing computers and English lessons – it’s about igniting a transformation in rural West Bengal, India. The impact we’ve seen so far is truly inspiring! When visiting NISTHA early this year, I witnessed for myself how many girls, who previously didn’t have any access to computers, were learning skills and becoming tech-savvy leaders in their communities, helping illiterate farmers access online government services, and supporting women entrepreneurs with e-commerce. It was remarkable to witness these young women grow in confidence and expertise. By supporting this project, we’re addressing critical issues like the digital divide, gender inequality, and the very real risk of child marriage. We’re opening doors to educational and professional opportunities that once seemed out of reach. The GIRLS DIGITAL CENTER will be more than a computer lab – it’s a safe space where dreams are born and futures are reshaped. Let’s create a brighter, more equitable future for these girls and their families.”
