Spreading Happiness India Foundation to Transform 500 Rural Schools by 2025

Mumbai/New Delhi: In its mission to empower rural youth through digital education, Spreading Happiness India Foundation (SHIF) has achieved a major milestone. The initiative was launched in collaboration with cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar (through Sachin Tendulkar Foundation) and Schneider Electric India, a leader in digital energy management. SHIF's flagship program 'SMITA' has so far connected over 60,000 students in over 300 schools to digital education. Inspired by this success, on World Literacy Day, SHIF aims to transform 500 rural government schools by 2025. It aims to bring a positive change in the lives of over 100,000 students in aspirational districts of India.

The highlight of the SMITA programme is the 'digital' classrooms, which are designed to digitally empower education in rural areas. So far, SHIF has built such digital classrooms in 300 schools, some of which are in the most remote areas of the country. The programme is not just about education, but also creating a community of 'green ambassadors' who are able to take proactive steps for the climate. These classrooms are run on solar energy, which is also saving electricity costs for schools. Also, students are getting better educational opportunities through virtual training, making their education even more accessible and quality.

Speaking on the importance of digital education, Sachin Tendulkar says, “Spreading Happiness India Foundation is trying its best to reduce the digital divide by providing better education to the students. Along with this, children are also being taught the importance of protecting the environment. The SMITA program reflects our vision of creating a new generation of responsible and informed citizens who will lead us to a sustainable future. Through this foundation, we are giving every child a chance to excel, irrespective of their background and resources.”

He further added, “If we want to make the world a better place, every child should get a good education. In today's time when everything is happening on computers and the internet, it has become very important to update the education infrastructure in time to keep up with the children's education.”

Speaking about its vision, Deepak Sharma, Zone President - Greater India, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India said, “Schneider Electric is a company that works to make a positive impact on society. For us, education is a tool that helps bring about long-lasting change. Our Digital Classroom initiative exemplifies our commitment to empowering rural communities and conserving energy and the environment. We have transformed the lives of over 60,000 children across 300 schools so far and aim to transform 500 schools by 2025. It is a matter of pride for us to work with Sachin Tendulkar to educate, empower the next generation and take action on issues of climate change and sustainability."

Through the SMITA program, children are taught about the environment and saving energy through interactive learning. The aim of this program is to make children 'Green Ambassadors' so that they do things in their daily life that do not harm the environment.

This unique SMITA program of SHIF is bringing positive change in government schools in 12 states like Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka. This organization gives students the opportunity to study in their own language and ensures that children can get good education without any problem.