During the lockdown prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020, all schools affiliated with the Rural Science Centre (RSC) remained closed, causing significant educational setbacks for students. To address this, HMF initiated online classes through the Science Centre, enabling the continuity of classes.

Recognizing the financial constraints of purchasing individual Android phones by students/parents, online classes were started at the Rural Science Centre premises by adhering to safety norms. However, there was a poor response as commuting for students from their villages to the Centre was difficult.

Hence, the possibility of organising Android TVs placed in villages was explored. Dr. Shashikant Ahankari, the organization’s president, mobilised donations for Android TVs and course materials to cater to the economically disadvantaged students, especially children of single mothers, in their respective villages.

This initiative received support from many of the well-wishers who were associated with HMF. Under the guidance of Mr. Bhagirath Kulkarni of Vigyan Vahini Sanstha, Dr. Shashikant Ahankari, convened a meeting of teachers of affiliated schools to select the content and the appropriate educational apps. Tillimili app that Dr. Vivek Sawant (who headed the MKCL) suggested was unanimously selected.

20 Android TVs and hard disks were procured for 20 selected villages in Tuljapur and Lohara blocks. It was ensured that these villages had a substantial number of needy students, availability of volunteers for conducting daily activities/classes, suitable locations, and other logistic facilities. Village committees to monitor the working of these classes were also formed.

Under the guidance of Dr. Sawant, the course was divided into two batches (1st to 4th and 5th to 8th grades), appropriate contents were developed, reviewed, and distributed via hard disks to every village. Teachers of two schools in the area, Mr. Pradeep Kadam and Mr. Manohar Ghodke, volunteered to supervise the activity, including adherence to safety norms against COVID-19 in the classes.

Ten villages in Tuljapur block (Yedela, Kilaj, Wagdari, Nilegaon, Keshegaon, Yevati, Chickundra, Ramthirth Tanda, and Vadacha tanda)

Ten villages in Lohara Block: (Nagur, Rajegaon, Bhatagali, Mardi, Kanegaon, Undargaon, Vadgaon, Ganja, Udatpur, Malegaon, and Tavashi gad)

Feedback from students, parents, teachers, volunteers and the village was positive. There was a request to continue this activity even after the schools resumed. As it was free of cost, it benefitted the needy students in the area and helped students cope with the regular school curriculum.

Foundation for Community Learning (FCL), and Vigyan Vahini Sanstha

Individuals associated with HMF

Other individual donors