Web Bachpan
- India
- Not registered as any organization
We are addressing the challenge of unequal access to digital literacy education for underprivileged children in India and the world, which hinders their ability to thrive in a technology-driven world and widens the educational equity gap. According to UNICEF [1], two-thirds of school-age children do not have internet access at home. To bridge the digital divide, they must receive digital literacy education, for when they do end up receiving internet access at home and other points of interaction, they will be ready to efficiently and safely reap the benefits of technology.
In countries like India, where we are based, a survey by ASER showed that about 90% of Indian rural households had internet available, and over 75% had access to a smartphone [2]. However, according to an article by Medium, only 38% of households are digitally literate, showing that increasing access to the internet does not guarantee digital literacy. Increasing access to technology with limited digital literacy proves to be counterproductive if digital literacy education does not increase. That is where Web Bachpan comes in.
A major concern is that due to the lack of digital literacy and scam awareness, the underprivileged go deeper into poverty as a result of digital scams, making it harder for them to get out of the vicious cycle of poverty. These conditions require a high spread of cybersecurity awareness throughout the country and the world.
The factors that contribute to the problem are:
Unequal internet access in rural and low-income communities.
Inadequate integration of digital literacy education in existing curricula.
Financial constraints hinder access to technology and educational resources.
Limited social support and guidance on navigating the digital space safely.
The phrase Web Bachpan is derived from Hindi, and it means “Web Childhood”. Web Bachpan tackles the critical issue of digital illiteracy among underprivileged children in India. We offer interactive workshops and freely available online learning modules, all designed to equip children with essential digital literacy skills.
We conduct fun and engaging workshops and digital literacy sessions in NGOs and government schools. These workshops are delivered in both Hindi and English. We are based in the city of Jaipur, and we have learned to adapt to local dialects like Marwari and integrate them into our deliveries based on the audience’s preferred language. We capitalize on UNESCO’s report that encourages mother language-based education.
We cover crucial digital literacy and cybersecurity topics in our workshops:
Online Safety: Recognizing suspicious websites, protecting passwords, and avoiding online predators are some key areas of focus.
Identification of Scams: We teach children how to differentiate between legitimate online offers and deceptive tactics used by scammers.
Responsible Online Behavior: Our workshops and modules emphasize cyberbullying prevention, respectful online communication, and responsible social media usage.
Protecting Personal Information: We make students understand the importance of safeguarding personal data and online privacy strategies like strong password creation.
These workshops are not just lectures. They are designed to be interactive and engaging. We use presentations with relatable visuals, provide clear explanations, and incorporate activities like quizzes, role-playing scenarios, and discussions. We understand the importance of relatability and therefore have created a mascot, Asha. Asha is an Indian pre-teen who has immense curiosity about the digital world and helps guide students through the journey of digital literacy. This interactive format helps children grasp complex concepts and retain the information effectively.
We understand that not every child can attend a workshop. To ensure wider access and continuous learning, we have created informative online modules summarizing the key workshop content. These modules are translated into Hindi, making them accessible to a broader audience in India.
The modules will be uploaded to a user-friendly website and app, and a dedicated Instagram account. This allows anyone with an internet connection to access the modules for free, at their own pace. The website, app, and social media platform are chosen due to their accessibility on basic smartphones, ensuring inclusivity for underprivileged communities.
The online modules act as a valuable resource beyond the workshops. They empower children to revisit key concepts, clarify any doubts, and continue learning independently. The app also includes fun games to make digital literacy second nature to children.
On the other side of things, we aim to expand pan India, and then across the globe. We understand that a lot of Indian youth want to engage in volunteering and to enable scalability, our app lets students sign up as volunteers to increase the number of children we can reach.
Web Bachpan prioritizes accessibility. We utilize low-barrier technology to ensure maximum reach. The website and social media platforms are readily available on most smartphones. Additionally, during workshops, offline materials like presentations and handouts are used to cater to those without current internet access.
Web Bachpan aims to empower children to become confident and responsible digital citizens by bridging the digital divide unlocks a world of possibilities for underprivileged children in India, and aims to expand globally.
Web Bachpan directly targets a population facing a significant barrier in the 21st century: underprivileged children (aged 8-18) in India. These children are currently underserved in the area of digital literacy and thereby are unable to participate fully in an increasingly digital world. This lack of access creates a cycle of disadvantage, limiting their educational opportunities, social mobility, and overall future prospects.
Many underprivileged communities lack reliable internet access, restricting their exposure to online educational resources and hindering their ability to participate in the digital economy.
The existing curriculum often lacks a focus on digital literacy, and children are left vulnerable to online threats and unable to critically evaluate information online. Underprivileged families don't have the resources to afford digital literacy courses or technology, further widening the digital divide. Children from these communities lack guidance and support from their families or social circles regarding safe and responsible online behavior.
Our interactive workshops and online modules in Hindi & English equip children with essential digital literacy skills like online safety, scam identification, responsible online behavior, and privacy protection. This empowers them to navigate the online world confidently and critically.
Our freely available online modules ensure children can access learning materials beyond the workshops, even if their internet access is limited. This caters to diverse learning styles and empowers self-paced learning.
Web Bachpan helps overcome anxieties and build confidence in using technology for learning and communication by equipping children with the necessary tools. This fosters a sense of agency and empowers them to explore the full potential of the internet.
Our workshops emphasize responsible online behavior, preventing cyberbullying, and promoting positive online interactions. This builds a safer and more inclusive digital environment for everyone.
Parents and families of participating children can also attend workshops and gain valuable digital literacy skills themselves. This leads to open communication within families regarding online safety and responsible technology use.
One of our main goals is to empower children to pursue educational opportunities online, potentially leading to better career prospects and upward social mobility.
Web Bachpan's goal is not just to teach children about technology, but to empower them to become safe, responsible, and engaged digital citizens. By equipping them with the necessary skills and fostering confidence, Web Bachpan has the potential to create a ripple effect, impacting not only their individual lives but also their families, communities, and the future of India in the digital age.
While our team members don't directly belong to underprivileged communities in India, we are committed to delivering a culturally relevant and impactful solution by using multiple strategies.
We've conducted thorough research on the challenges of digital literacy in underprivileged communities in India. This includes studies by UNICEF, the Centre for Internet and Society (CIS), and other relevant sources to understand the specific context and existing gaps.
Collaboration is key. We have partnered with NGOs that work directly with underprivileged communities. These partners provide invaluable insights into the specific needs, challenges, and cultural nuances of the target population.
We are in the process of recruiting volunteers, including 9th graders from local schools, to deliver workshops, facilitated by our app and word of mouth. This strategy offers several advantages as 9th graders share similar age groups and potentially even backgrounds with the target audience. This fosters a sense of connection and trust during workshops. 9th graders are comfortable with both Hindi and English, which ensures effective communication in workshops catering to diverse language needs.
We have integrated feedback mechanisms like post-workshop discussions to gather input from participants. This allows us to refine the workshops and online modules based on their needs and preferences.
The workshop content, online modules, and the app have been designed with cultural sensitivity in mind. We will avoid jargon and ensure the examples and activities resonate with the lived experiences of underprivileged children.
The team lead, Shivam, has been closely involved with underprivileged communities and is comfortable in fostering connections with community leaders, parents, school officials, and local partners. He can ensure an environment where children feel comfortable participating and learning. He has ensured that all team members and volunteers approach the project with sensitivity to the cultural and social dynamics within the communities.
Web Bachpan is committed to an iterative approach. We will continuously gather feedback from the community, local partners, and participants to improve the effectiveness of our workshops, app, and online modules. This ensures our solution remains relevant, addresses evolving needs, and reflects the priorities of the communities we serve.
- Provide the skills that people need to thrive in both their community and a complex world, including social-emotional competencies, problem-solving, and literacy around new technologies such as AI.
- 1. No Poverty
- 4. Quality Education
- 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
- 9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- 10. Reduced Inequalities
- Pilot
Our project is in the Pilot Stage, having successfully conducted initial workshops and gathered valuable feedback.
We've conducted thorough research on digital literacy challenges in underprivileged communities in India (as previously mentioned), and we have drafted a comprehensive workshop curriculum and refined it based on feedback from educators and community partners. We have established partnerships with local NGOs, securing venues and ensuring outreach to the target population.
We also have developed a user-friendly application outlining the project goals, offering downloadable workshop handouts (in Hindi and English), and featuring an engaging game to keep children hooked to the ideas of digital literacy.
We conducted interactive workshops in collaboration with our local partners at multiple local NGOs, reaching approximately 300 underprivileged children (aged 8-16).
We implemented pre and post-workshop assessments to gauge the effectiveness of the program. Initially, we contacted NGO volunteers to assess the target audience's level of comprehension. After the workshop, we gathered feedback from the children directly, and from the NGO volunteers in verbal form. This data has proven to be crucial for refining the workshop content and delivery methods, as later workshops have drastically improved in terms of feedback. We are continuously analyzing feedback to understand the user experience and identify areas for improvement.
The workshops were well-received by both children and educators, highlighting the demand for digital literacy education in these communities.
Feedback suggests tailoring activities and explanations to better suit the age group and specific needs of the participants. The importance of using both Hindi and English during workshops was reinforced, ensuring clear communication for all children.
By analyzing the pilot data and feedback, we will further refine the workshops and online modules. We plan to expand our partnerships and secure funding to conduct a larger-scale program, reaching a wider range of underprivileged children in India.
Web Bachpan's pilot program has demonstrated the potential of our solution to empower underprivileged children with essential digital literacy skills. We are committed to continuous improvement and leveraging the pilot's learnings to create a sustainable and impactful program.
Web Bachpan is applying to MIT Solve not simply for funding, but to gain access to a valuable network of resources and expertise that will propel our solution forward.
We require funding to expand our program to reach a wider range of underprivileged children across India and then the world. MIT Solve's grant opportunities and potential connections with corporate and government sponsors can bridge this financial gap.
While we have a functional application, app deployment and promotion is something we need help with. Enhancing this platform with more user engagement features would significantly improve accessibility and impact.
MIT Solve's network can connect us with tech experts who can provide mentorship for website development.
As we navigate partnerships and potential future revenue models (grants, donations), guidance on legal and regulatory frameworks for social impact initiatives would be of immense value to us. MIT Solve can connect us with legal professionals who can offer consultations.
While our initial focus is on India, Web Bachpan's model has potential for replication in other developing countries. MIT Solve's mentorship and connections can work to valuable insights into adapting our approach for new cultural contexts and navigating potential market entry barriers.
We have gathered initial data from our pilot program, but expertise in data analysis and impact measurement frameworks would strengthen our ability to demonstrate Web Bachpan's effectiveness to potential donors and partners.
MIT Solve could connect us with data analysis experts who can guide us in. refining our evaluation methods.
We recognize that the true value of MIT Solve lies beyond just financial or technical support. We are eager to join a community of passionate social innovators, learn from their experiences, and share our own journey.
In conclusion, MIT Solve offers a comprehensive support system that can directly address Web Bachpan's key challenges, from scaling up operations to measuring impact and building long-term sustainability. We believe that by becoming a Solver team, we can unlock Web Bachpan's full potential to empower underprivileged children across India and beyond, bridging the digital divide and creating a brighter digital future.
- Business Model (e.g. product-market fit, strategy & development)
- Human Capital (e.g. sourcing talent, board development)
- Legal or Regulatory Matters
- Monitoring & Evaluation (e.g. collecting/using data, measuring impact)
- Technology (e.g. software or hardware, web development/design)
Web Bachpan tackles the challenge of digital literacy in underprivileged communities through a combination of innovative elements:
Our gamified mobile app, inspired by Snakes and ladders, makes learning about digital safety and cybersecurity concepts engaging and fun for children. This interactive format caters to their preferred learning styles and cultural context, leading to better knowledge retention.
We combine workshops with online modules, providing a comprehensive learning experience. Workshops offer personalized guidance and foster social interaction, while online modules ensure continuous learning opportunities beyond the workshops.
We aim to make a youth volunteer network through our web safety app. Recruiting local 9th graders as volunteers makes a sense of connection and trust with the target audience. This approach leverages the potential of young people who might share similar backgrounds and language skills as the participants.
Partnering with local schools and NGOs strengthens our outreach, ensures cultural relevance, and leverages the existing networks of these organizations. This collaborative approach promotes community ownership and sustainability.
Demonstrating the effectiveness of gamified learning in this context can encourage others to adopt similar strategies in their educational programs. We highlight the valuable role young people can play in social impact initiatives, inspiring youth-led solutions in other areas.
Our success in leveraging partnerships can serve as a model for other organizations working in underprivileged communities. Leading by example can be a catalyst for change in communities like ours in India.
Market Landscape Transformation:
Web Bachpan emphasizes the need for inclusive solutions that bridge the digital divide by prioritizing underprivileged communities. In the future, we are going to explore making certain aspects of the program (like the workshop curriculum) open-source, allowing for wider replication and adaptation by other organizations. We have a website under development, which is aimed to act as a domain to publish digital literacy materials like the modules we make.
Overall, our innovative approach goes beyond simply teaching digital literacy skills. It inculcates a culture of digital safety and empowers underprivileged children to become confident and responsible digital citizens. By inspiring collaboration, gamification, and a focus on community ownership, Web Bachpan has the potential to create a significant and lasting positive impact on the digital literacy landscape.
Here is how our activities lead to positive outcomes:
Activities:
Interactive Workshops: Conducted by trained volunteers, including 9th graders, which cover online safety, scam identification, responsible behavior, and privacy protection.
Freely Available Online Modules with integrated animation: Hindi-translated and English modules summarize key workshop concepts and provide additional learning resources accessible beyond workshops.
Websafe Race App: Our gamified app uses a snakes and ladders format to make learning about digital safety and cybersecurity concepts engaging and fun.
Immediate Outputs:
Increased knowledge and understanding of digital literacy concepts among participating children, as measured by pre- and post-workshop assessments.
Improved engagement and motivation through interactive workshops and gamified learning experiences in the Websafe Race app.
Increased volunteer capacity through effective recruitment strategies and engaging training, especially through our app.
Longer-Term Outcomes:
Children develop the confidence and skills to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
Children are less susceptible to online threats like scams, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content.
Children have greater access to educational resources and online learning opportunities as they are equipped with digital literacy skills.
Evidence Supporting the Links:
Research: Studies show that interactive learning experiences and gamification techniques can improve knowledge retention and engagement in educational settings [1].
Pilot Program Results: Our pilot workshops demonstrated positive improvements in children's knowledge of digital safety concepts and signs of high engagement during, and after attending the sessions.
Expected Impact:
By empowering children with digital literacy skills, we aim to create a ripple effect:
Children become more confident and responsible digital citizens. Parents and families gain awareness of online safety practices through workshops and potentially participate themselves. A digitally literate younger generation leads to a more informed and secure online environment for the entire community.
Sustainability:
Long-term program implementation and local ownership is ensured by Collaboration with local schools and NGOs.
Engaging youth volunteers builds a sustainable volunteer base.
Exploring open-sourcing aspects of the program (like curriculum and modules) allows for wider adoption by other organizations.
Web Bachpan's theory of change is based on the belief that equipping children with the right skills is key to unlocking their potential in the digital age. By combining interactive learning, gamification, and community partnerships, Web Bachpan strives to bridge the digital divide and empower future generations to thrive in a connected world.
[1] https://slejournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40561-019-0098-x
Web Bachpan's primary impact goal is to bridge the digital divide for underprivileged children (aged 8-18) in India by empowering them with essential digital literacy skills. Here's how we measure progress towards this goal:
Impact Goals:
Children will gain a strong understanding of key digital literacy concepts like online safety, responsible behavior, and privacy protection.
Children will develop the confidence and skills to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
Children will have greater access to educational resources and online learning opportunities through their newfound digital literacy skills.
Measurement Strategies:
1. Pre and Post-Workshop Assessments:
We conduct assessments before and after workshops to gauge children's knowledge of digital literacy concepts. This data helps us track improvements in knowledge retention.
The assessments include multiple-choice questions, true/false statements, and short answer prompts related to the workshop topics, usually received orally.
2. Community Partner Feedback:
We gather feedback from partner schools and NGOs regarding the program's overall impact on student behavior, online habits, and parental awareness of digital safety.
Partner feedback allows us to measure the program's effectiveness at a community level and identify areas for collaboration and improvement.
We are exploring partnerships with research institutions to conduct more in-depth impact evaluations in the future.
We plan to analyze qualitative data from post-workshop discussions and volunteer feedback to gain a deeper understanding of the program's impact on children's attitudes and behaviors.
By utilizing a combination of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, We aim to demonstrate a measurable and sustainable impact on the digital literacy skills and online safety of underprivileged children in India.
Web Bachpan utilizes a combination of modern and traditional technologies to deliver its digital literacy program:
Mobile App (Web Safety): This gamified app uses snakes and ladders mechanics to teach digital safety and cybersecurity concepts in a fun and engaging way. It leverages mobile technology to provide a user-friendly and accessible learning platform for children.
Online Modules: These modules provide additional learning resources beyond the workshops, summarizing key concepts and catering to different learning styles while also including animations for engagement.
Traditional Technologies:
Interactive Workshops: Facilitated by volunteers, these workshops rely on traditional teaching methods like discussions, activities, and presentations to deliver core digital literacy concepts.
Curriculum Development: The curriculum is built on established educational principles and best practices for interactive learning, ensuring effective knowledge transfer.
Combined Approach:
Web Bachpan's strength lies in its ability to leverage both modern and traditional technologies. The mobile app and online modules enhance accessibility and engagement, while the interactive workshops provide personalized guidance and foster social interaction among participants. This combined approach caters to diverse learning styles and preferences, maximizing the program's effectiveness.
Web Bachpan prioritizes the use of Hindi, the native language of the target population, in its online modules and workshop materials. This ensures clear communication and cultural relevance, a crucial element for a successful social impact initiative.
We are exploring the possibility of making certain aspects of the program open-source, such as the workshop curriculum. This would allow for wider adoption and adaptation by other organizations working in similar contexts.
By combining modern and traditional technologies with a focus on cultural relevance, Web Bachpan strives to create a sustainable and impactful digital literacy program for underprivileged children in India.
- A new business model or process that relies on technology to be successful
- Audiovisual Media
- Crowd Sourced Service / Social Networks
- Software and Mobile Applications
- India
Shivam Narhari (Full-time) - +91 7976998049
Prisha Jain (Full-time) - +91 7665590799
Jahnavi Bhatia (Full-time) - +91 9549658762
Vasudha Rawat (Full-time) - +91 9829828995
Shuchita Ajmera (Full-time) - +91 7737658859
Jhankaar Purohit (Full-time) - +91 9460034363
Manjari Karora (Full-time) - +91 9828033889
30 additional part-time volunteers for content design.
We have been working on Web Bachpan for a year now.
We recognize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in building a strong and impactful team. Here's how we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members:
Our current team makeup of 1 male and 6 female full-time members reflects a commitment to gender diversity. While we acknowledge this is a positive step, we are committed to continuous improvement. The rest of the 30 9th-grade part-time members constitute about a 50-50 male-female makeup.
We encourage open communication within the team, encouraging everyone to share their ideas and perspectives. We actively listen to each other and strive to create a space where respectful disagreement is welcomed.
We offer flexible work arrangements whenever possible, recognizing that team members may have different needs and circumstances. This fosters a more inclusive environment and allows for a better work-life balance.
We value diversity of thought and experience over simple demographics. When recruiting new team members, we prioritize finding individuals with the skills and experiences that complement the team and strengthen Web Bachpan's mission.
We plan to implement unconscious bias training for all team members. This will raise awareness of potential biases and equip us to make more equitable decisions.
We are also actively seeking ways to expand our recruitment channels to attract a wider range of candidates from diverse backgrounds. This may involve partnering with organizations focused on underrepresented groups in tech and education.
Web Bachpan follows a social impact model, prioritizing creating positive social value for underprivileged children in India over traditional profit maximization. Here's how we deliver value:
Target Beneficiaries:
Primary: Underprivileged children (aged 8-18) in India.
Secondary: Parents and families of participating children who gain awareness of online safety practices.
Tertiary: The broader community benefits from a more digitally literate younger generation.
Value Proposition:
For Children: Web Bachpan equips children with essential digital literacy skills, empowering them to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. This unlocks educational opportunities and fosters responsible digital citizenship.
For Parents and Families: Increased awareness of online safety practices helps parents keep their children safe online and navigate conversations about technology use.
For Communities: A digitally literate younger generation contributes to a more informed and secure online environment for the entire community.
Activities:
Interactive workshops led by trained volunteers cover online safety, responsible behavior, privacy protection, and cybersecurity concepts.
Freely available online modules provide additional learning resources and cater to different learning styles.
This gamified app uses snakes and ladders mechanics to make learning about digital safety and cybersecurity concepts engaging and fun.
We leverage local partnerships to recruit volunteers, primarily 9th graders, who can connect with the target audience and provide culturally relevant instruction through our app.
Impact Measurement:
Pre and Post-Workshop Assessments: Measure knowledge gain regarding digital literacy concepts.
Volunteer and Partner Feedback: Gather insights to refine program delivery and workshop content.
Revenue Model (Not Applicable):
As a social impact initiative, Web Bachpan does not currently generate revenue. Our primary focus is on maximizing our impact on the target population.
Sustainability:
Grant Funding: We seek grant opportunities to support program expansion, volunteer training, and app development.
Corporate Partnerships: We aim to collaborate with socially responsible companies for potential sponsorships and in-kind donations.
Open-Source Potential: Exploring the possibility of open-sourcing certain program elements (like curriculum) to allow for wider adoption by other organizations.
Volunteer Network: Engaging local youth as volunteers fosters a sustainable volunteer base with a connection to the communities we serve is solidified by our app.
Future Considerations:
Low-cost Certifications: We might explore offering low-cost digital literacy certifications to workshop participants upon completion. This could incentivize participation and potentially create a small revenue stream for further program development.
Our social business model prioritizes creating a scalable and sustainable program that empowers underprivileged children with the digital literacy skills they need to thrive in the digital age. By focusing on partnerships, grants, and creative fundraising strategies, we aim to ensure long-term impact without compromising our core social mission.
- Organizations (B2B)
Web Bachpan is still in the early stages of development and does not currently have a fully established plan for financial sustainability. However, we are actively exploring various options to ensure our program's long-term viability:
Grant Funding:
We are actively researching and applying for grants from foundations and organizations focused on education, digital literacy, and social impact initiatives in India. If we end up securing grants from the government, we will be able to achieve great word-of-mouth publicity as well.
Securing grant funding would provide essential resources for program expansion, volunteer training, and app development.
Corporate Partnerships:
We are reaching out to socially responsible companies in India and potentially beyond to explore potential sponsorship opportunities. CSR activities have boomed in India, and a lot of companies are open to working with initiatives like ours.
Partnerships could provide in-kind donations (e.g., devices, internet access) or financial support to expand our reach and resources.
Open-source Potential:
In the future, we might explore making certain aspects of the program open-source, such as the workshop curriculum and training materials.
This would allow other organizations to replicate our model, potentially leading to a broader impact without significant financial investment from Web Bachpan itself.
Volunteer Network:
Our focus on recruiting local youth as volunteers keeps our operational costs relatively low.
By leveraging existing community partnerships, we can minimize expenses associated with volunteer recruitment and training.
Future Considerations:
We might explore offering low-cost digital literacy certifications to workshop participants upon completion.
This could incentivize participation and potentially create a small revenue stream to support program development, although our primary focus remains on maximizing impact over profit.
Early Traction (Evidence of Success):
While we haven't secured any major grants yet, we have been able to run on a rather zero-cost basis. All the development of modules and other administrative work has been performed by our core team purely for the sake of fulfilling our mission. We are aware that our solution is scalable, and with the help of volunteers, we can sustain low-cost/no-cost operations. The pilot program's positive results (increased knowledge scores and positive participant feedback) are encouraging and demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.