The Project
Vathsalya Charitable Trust faced significant challenges related to educational and technological gaps among it's team members, particularly the teachers working in their child development program.
“The teachers, predominantly from local communities, lacked proficiency in computer skills, which posed obstacles in generating comprehensive reports required for donor organisations.”, says Tahsin Ismail, Project Officer - Child Development Centre (Vathsalya Charitable Trust).
Recognising this critical need Vathsalya sought support from Chezuba to bridge these gaps. The project aimed to provide targeted training and support to Vathsalya's team members, enabling them to enhance their computer literacy.
The Journey
The journey of volunteers Sandeep Jethwa and Shubhada Ghosh with Vathsalya Charitable Trust exemplifies the transformative power of skill-based volunteering in creating meaningful impact.
Upon joining the project, Sandeep and Shubhada approached their roles with dedication and enthusiasm.They collaborated closely with the teachers, taking into account their unique backgrounds and learning requirements.
During the training sessions, Sandeep shared his expertise in computer systems, guiding the teachers through various applications and tools essential for their work. Simultaneously, Shubhada focused on enhancing the teachers' proficiency in data management and Excel usage, offering practical tips and tricks to streamline their reporting processes.
The Challenges Faced
Despite the project's overall success, Sandeep and Shubhada faced a few obstacles while volunteering. One key challenge was limited access to tools, particularly computer systems, which hindered teachers' hands-on practice. Furthermore, the teachers'various levels of technological skill made it difficult to customise training sessions that effectively met everyone's needs.
To ensure clarity and understanding, communication challenges such as language differences and technical terminology needed to be carefully navigated. Despite these obstacles, Sandeep and Shubhada tackled each one with tolerance and ingenuity,modifying their teaching methods and offering extra help as needed.
The Result
Teachers at Vathsalya learned how to use computers well, which in turn helped them in reporting and managing data effectively.
The project's impact extended beyond administrative tasks, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development among the staff. As a result, the quality and accuracy of the organisation's reports improved substantially, facilitating clearer communication with donor organisations and stakeholders.
The project made things easier for the organisation and helped Vathsalya's staff learn important skills for their careers.
