KAZHAKOOTAM: If empowering the marginalised sections of society is the goal of education, then the IT@School Mission seems to have achieved its purpose to a considerable extent. The 10th edition of State IT Fest which is underway at Technopark here saw a surge in the participation of students from rural areas and government schools for which the organisers of the event has earned kudos from various quarters. The substantial participation of students from government schools, that too from rural areas, was a major feature of the event. A notable example of this is the case of Akhil N from Kilimanoor GHSS. His parents are not tech-savvy professionals, nor does he own a personal computer. But the Plus I student has found his way to the state fest after winning first for digital painting in the district fest Akhil, who hails from a humble background, said that his ambition is to become a teacher. He added that it was the IT training that he received under the IT@School mission which was prompted him to think big as this was essential for success in life. The boy’s mother earns a living by working under the employment guarantee scheme. ‘’I want to become a teacher and support my family,’’ he says. He had done a painting on the topic ‘2050’ which portrayed people wearing space suits and shifting to the moon. ‘’That would be the result if things go like this,’’ he commented. Deepak R B, is another example of the impact IT education has had on students. Like Akhil, Deepak too hails from a rural area Kanjiramkulam near here. When the children in the area are trying to learn the basics of computer, Deepak has made big strides. He now undertakes DTP works on commercial basis and if required, would also service computers.’’ I now earn Rs 2000 a month from DTP work. A single computer servicing provides me with Rs 300. I could now utilise my free time to make some extra money,’’ the Standard X student of PKS HSS, Kanjiramkulam, said. But since the exams are approaching, the winner of Malayalam typing in the State IT fest is not willing to take an added risk.‘’First I have to get a government job. Then I can move over to other jobs or can do engineering,’’ he said.
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