Hyderabad, 22 April 2022: Supporting the Government of India’s Digital India initiative to transform the country into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, in partnership with HP launched a unique CSR programme - World on Wheels (WoW). Through this partnership, GMRVF and HP aim to bridge the gap in computer literacy for certain underprivileged sections of the society thereby creating more digitally enabled communities.

The World on Wheels initiative facilitates students to access basic computer literacy modules from a mobile IT- enabled WOW bus. Through this initiative, GMRVF is reaching out to the students from the government schools in and around Shamshabad, Ranga Reddy District, Telangana. The 20-seater learning lab in a bus developed under the CSR programme of HP is provided with computing and printing equipment with learning modules.

World On Wheels – Unique Features

• 44,000 training hours capacity annually per unit

• 3.15 KVA solar panels for off-grid connectivity

• HP Classroom Manager and other software suites

• EDP training for youth, K-12 e-Content for students

• Video-conferencing and remote training

• Equipped with 20 HP Thin Clients, Workstation, Office Jet all-in-one printer and others

The special WoW bus developed into a mobile computer lab has been visiting government schools in the surrounding villages in a pre-worked schedule.  It will be stationed for the day at the designated school campus. An instructor from GMRVF will teach the students basic computer skills through well-designed step by step module sessions. This enables the students to acquire basic digital literacy once all the modules are completed.
           
Mr. Ashwani Lohani, CEO – GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, said “GMRVF is committed to bridge the digital divide among the local communities around us. Embracing digital will be the catalyst for a brighter future. Telangana is the hub for digital literacy in India and its progress has been very effective in bringing change in the socio-economic environment in the society. Through this partnership we aim to harness the potential of students who have not had access to digital learning solutions. So far, the training has seen enthusiastic students participating and enjoying the curriculum. We hope this program will not only enhance their learning experience but aid in seeking good career opportunities”.

Apart from Digital Literacy, GMRVF will be using the mobile teaching bus, World on Wheels to spread awareness on Health, Covid and Road Safety Awareness Programmes. The WoW bus will tour the villages around Shamshabad. A short film on social awareness will be exhibited to the villagers on the large screen fitted on the rear of the bus. Generic civic awareness sessions for citizens on ways to go about obtaining an Aadhar card, ration card, driving license, land records, financial inclusions etc., will also be explained by GMRVF staff to the locals.