The Let’s Code Project, initiated by Change Initiatives in collaboration with Capgemini, is a commendable endeavor aimed at empowering young minds in 10 government-sponsored schools within the Sonarpur circle. This project targets students ranging from class VI to IX, offering them a unique opportunity to delve into the world of basic computer programming and coding languages such as Scratch and Python.
One of the standout features of the Let’s Code Project is the establishment of dedicated coding labs in each of the participating schools. These labs are equipped with state-of-the-art resources, including computers, projectors, 3D printers, and a range of tinkering items. Such an environment fosters an immersive learning experience and allows students to explore the realms of technology, creativity, and problem-solving. The schools have allotted the class in their existing routine which has helped to run regular training session smoothly.
With nearly 7000 students enrolled in this initiative, its impact is widespread and profound. By introducing project-based learning, the Let’s Code Project not only equips students with valuable technical skills but also nurtures their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This approach transcends traditional rote learning methods, enabling students to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios. The project is supported by Capgemini.
Under the banner of the Kisholoy Project, Change Initiatives, in partnership of Barabazar PS, is making a significant impact on the lives of marginalized communities in Purulia. Here Change Initiatives adopted 5 Sabar Bikash Kendras which were founded by famous Bengali Writer Mahasweta Devi, providing essential elementary education to the children of the Sabar tribe.
The Sabar Bikash Kendras mainly locate at five remote villages of Purulia named Beldih,Garasagma, Jahanabaid, Jilling Bhalukdih and Latpada which are under the supervision of Barabazar PS. More than 200 Sabar children are with us, learning mathematics, science, Bengali and yoga at the schools. The project is supported by crowd-funding.
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Change Initiatives has been engaged in Digital Literacy since 2016. We have trained more than 30,000 in Digital Literacy in the age group of 14-70 through a 20-hour training programme followed by an online certification exercise. The purpose of the project is to train everybody on the basics of internet so that they can productively use the internet in their day-to-day lives. The project follows a hub-and-spoke model with training at local schools, CBOs and institutions and examination at our main centre, which is also a training centre.
Stay Safe, Be Cybersmart: With the rapid spread of mobile phones in India, the project is focussed on the effective use of mobile phones: how to use the mobile phone in day-to-day lives, in making online payments — and mobile phone safety. The focus of this programme is women and older girls. We have trained more than 650 in mobile phone safety and have launched an Android app: Be Cybersmart. The app has learning materials on mobile phone safety, with a quiz, and modules on threat alerts, awareness videos among others. An online certificate is offered on successful completion of the quiz. The app is expected to have a multiplier effect in terms of impact.
The Digital Inclusion project has expanded its scope to Media Literacy. The young population of the country is getting exposed to misinformation online that has serious social, political and economic consequences. The Change Initiatives media literacy programme has started in the North East. We will conduct workshops in Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland among 500 youth in the region. The training will focus on developing critical thinking skills and creating short videos to counter misinformation. It will culminate with an advanced training for 100 in Kolkata. As many as 600 will be trained in media literacy and cyber-safety to contribute to safer online communities in the region. Collaborators: Capgemini, American Centre, Kolkata
The Nabanna initiative of Change Initiatives, empowers women through skill development, entrepreneurshipand awareness-raising.
Our goal is to broaden women's mental horizons by implementing initiatives related to livelihoods, health, the environment and gender rights. We seek to influence attitudes and change behaviour through mentoring, focused information dissemination and link-ups with service providers.
Nabanna started as a programme to improve access to women in ICT tools so that the women can empower themselves by directly accessing digital information. The scope of the programme has been considerably enhanced to direct income generation from ICT-based businesses to skill building in areas such as tailoring and paper-bag generation.
We have provided digital literacy training to over 1000 women. Empowering them with essential digital skills not only enhances their employability but also promotes their active participation in the digital age.
We worked with 100 self-help groups (SHGs), involving over 1,000 women in Chhtomollakhali and Kumirmari Gram Panchayets for mangrove plantations. These dedicated individuals are actively nurturing and safeguarding the mangroves, playing a vital role in preserving this critical ecosystem. Apart from the mangrove plantation in Chotomollakhali, we want to ensure their better livelihood through an animal husbandry project. Our goal is to give them complete training on poultry, duck, and goat farming and marketing that would lead to proper capacity building and the complete sustainability of the project.
We've also worked with 140 self-help groups (SHGs), comprising over 1,000 women in Saguna Gram Panchayat, West Bengal, notably in Kantabele and Madandanga villages. Our involvement extends to managing their accounts and facilitating informative sessions on various government schemes, healthand gender-related matters. This collaboration empowers these women with financial literacy and knowledge, fostering holistic community development.
We've have worked with district resource persons, cluster representatives and the dedicated members of self-help groups (SHGs) across three districts – 24 Parganas North, 24 Parganas South and Howrah. Our focus has been on empowering these communities with valuable skills, offering training in computer literacy and equipping them with ICT tools for awareness programs.
In addition, we've nurtured a remarkable initiative called Digital Graphics within the Bishnupur Gram Panchayat, situated in South 24 Parganas, Bengal. where we've provided training in computer basics to 1,000 women as part of a UNESCO project. Moreover, we've actively worked with another 200 women, guiding them in establishing micro-enterprises.
These efforts underscore our commitment to fostering digital empowerment and economic self-sufficiency among women in these regions.
Plant Mangroves, Rebuilt Sunderbans: In recent years, the Sundarbans Forest, one of the world's most critical natural ecosystems, has faced significant degradation due to both manmade activities and the devastating impact of several cyclones. Recognising the urgency of the situation, we embarked on a mission to restore this invaluable treasure by planting 350,000 mangroves across the Chhotomollakhali and Kumirmari Gram Panchayats, and at Nazat, Sandeshkhali.
To ensure the success of our endeavor, we launched extensive awareness campaigns aimed at instilling a sense of responsibility among local communities for the newly planted saplings. Education and engagement have been instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of the Sundarbans and the need for their protection.
For effective field-level implementation, we have actively involved local Self-Help Groups (SHGs).More than thousand SHGs women work alongside with us These grassroots people have played a pivotal role in nurturing and safeguarding the newly planted mangroves. Their deep-rooted connections within the community have proven invaluable in our mission.
Our commitment to the Sundarbans continues to grow, as does our hope for a restored and thriving ecosystem. Together with local communities and dedicated SHGs, we are working tirelessly to ensure the Sundarbans remain a symbol of ecological resilience and sustainability. Join us in this vital cause to protect our planet's precious natural heritage. Supported By:Schneider Electric India Foundation, Tellus Carbon
Mission Million Trees: We planted 17,000 saplings were planted across multiple locations in West Bengal, Assam, Rajasthan, and Gurugram as part of an initiative to promote carbon neutrality cricket match. The endeavor aimed to offset carbon emissions associated with the event. The diverse geographical spread of these plantations underscores the commitment to environmental sustainability. This green initiative not only contributes to carbon reduction but also supports local ecosystems and enhances the overall green cover in these regions. It serves as a commendable step towards aligning sports events with environmental responsibility, setting a positive example for future endeavors.
As part of the Mission Million Tree Programme, we have successfully planted 60,000 saplings, demonstrating our commitment to combat deforestation and safeguard the environment. Our efforts extended to various regions in west Bengal, including Jhargram, Nadia, Hooghly, Purulia, Bankura districts, the Sundarbans, and New Town area. Each sapling has been meticulously geo-tagged on Google Maps, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the project. Supported By: Schneider Electric,International Association for Human Values, WWF, Capgemini. .
Project Well: Providing clean water and sanitation to rural areas poses a pressing challenge. Keeping in mind the 6th sustainable development goal of 'Clean Water and Sanitation', the Change Initiatives Project Well has made a great impact on rural communities and the environment over the years. Preventing arsenic contamination of groundwater with indigenous technology Setting up and maintaining bacteria-free, arsenic-free bi-tech wells with iron-removal filters.At present, there are 166 bi-tech wells for "Arsenic Mukto PanioJawl" in 5 blocks (Baduria, Deganga, Habra, Swarupnagar, and Gaighata) of the North-24 Parganas and one block (Chakdaha) of Nadia, West Bengal, India. As many as 2,500 families and 10,000 consumers use the well on a monthly basis. The project upgrades old dug-wells into modern bore dug-wells (bi-tech wells) that tap water from the upper arsenic-free aquifier Collaborator: Project Well,US
Solar Energy promotion among children villages. Distributing solar lamps among the children of Madandanga and Kantabele villages in Nadia district. Solar lamps can be charged during the day and used for studies in the evenings.
Workshops on disaster management and earthquake at state-government schools in Calcutta. Anti-plastic workshops among SHGs in West Bengal.
Smart Enterprise: Recycle saris into carrybags, a direct campaign against plastic carry bags. We invite donations of old saris, which are turned into bags that can be folded and kept inside smaller bags and pockets. Already more than 1,000 bags have been sold in the market in a month.
Member of Sabuj Mancha network of NGOs
Our Women in STEM project is into its fourth month, and the response has been very encouraging. In this project, we are mentoring 25 women undergraduate students from 7 Kolkata colleges to build a sustainable career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math). The project is supported by the American Centre, Kolkata.
Change Initiatives has undertaken a novel effort on environment awareness — we are recycling saris into carry bags. We are inviting donations of old saris, which our girls are turning into bags that can be folded and kept inside smaller bags and pockets.
