Firsts are always special. They hold a really important and different place. And that is what Narayan Chandra Trust is to Apni pathshala. That’s the place where the journey began. It’s a small place in Virar, where a story of dreams and determination began. It’s where students who once sat in classrooms as eager learners now stand as leaders, managing the same pods that shaped their lives.
But this story is about something bigger. It’s about how these two organizations came together to give the students of Nandadeep School a gift that will last a lifetime: the power of digital education!
A Bold New Idea
Every state has its different set of norms, rules and culture. This may come as a shock to some of the readers, but In Maharashtra, formal computer classes don’t usually begin until after 10th grade. Most parents, too, believe that digital education is something their kids can “learn later.” They apparently think that it’s a waste of time and it’s not worth it for kids to spend time and energy on computer classes. But times are changing, and Narayan Chandra Trust knew that waiting wasn’t an option anymore.
They approached Nandadeep School with a vision: to teach kids computer skills early, preparing them for a world that’s already so forward in the digital world. Apni Pathshala stepped in with all the passion they are known for and designed a program that would not just teach but transform.
The idea wasn’t just to teach theory. The aim was to give kids something they could use—to help them become independent, confident, and even earn an income after their 10th grade.
Pitching the Dream
The journey started with a pitch. The team prepared a presentation for the parents and students of Nandadeep School. They laid it all out:
- Basic computer awareness
- The syllabus that blended traditional learning with hands-on skills
- The real-world difference this program could make
Despite initial skepticism (since many parents still believed digital education could wait), the clarity and passion of the pitch won them over. The fact that these classes would be free of cost made the program accessible to everyone, breaking down financial barriers that often limit such opportunities.
Now, came the IT moment- the execution of the ultimate plan of bringing magic in those little lives.
A 3-Month Program
So talking about the plan, the three-month program was designed with precision and taking care of everything important for the kids. The team focused on both theory and practice. The structure was divided into two phases:
- The first 15 days focused on basic computer skills, such as operating systems, file management, and foundational tools.
- 30 days introduced students to Scratch, a visual programming platform where they learned to create games and animations.
- Remaning Weeks students Focused on WordPress a website development Platform where they learned to create website
Mr. Pranav Gorathe, one of the passionate teachers from Apni Pathshala, recalls being assigned a batch of 10th graders. “In Maharashtra, students stop learning computers after 8th grade because all the focus shifts to board exams,” he explained. “I had to start from scratch—literally!” As he shared, the kids didn’t even know how to hold a mouse or start a computer, let alone use Scratch or code.
Yes, this may sound shocking to most of you, but this is the ground reality. We do live in two Indias—one, where kids prepare for IITs and work as software developers in big MNCs, and another, where kids don’t even know how to use a mouse—and this is heartbreaking, to say the least!
To make matters worse, these students lost almost two critical years of education (2020 to 2022) due to the COVID-19 lockdowns, which further widened the digital divide.
Coming back to the classes, as per Pranav Sir, more than the lessons they were an experience. Every week began with a detailed plan, and Saturdays were reserved for listing and reflecting on goals. If targets weren’t met, buffer days were in place to ensure no student was left behind.
And then guess what? Something magical happened! The students fell in love with learning. They showed up even on holidays, eager to explore the digital world. In India, if kids show up to study in diwali holidays- you know it’s HUGE!
From Struggles to Success
You cannot expect your growth without facing any challenges. Similarly, this journey also wasn’t without its hurdles. Many students, like Raj, didn’t even know how to hold a mouse or navigate a computer on day one. But with patience and encouragement, Raj went on to build his own portfolio website—a feat he couldn’t have imagined just a few months earlier!
And he wasn’t the only one.
- Each batch created three games and two websites.
- All 39 students successfully launched their own portfolio websites.
- Check out all the Scratch games and WordPress websites created by our students here: Link.
The impact wasn’t just academic, it was deeply personal. The school management shared their pride in a heartfelt message:
“A big shoutout to Narayan Chandra Trust and the Apni Pathshala pod at Virar for their collaboration with Nandadeep School, enabling 39 students to complete a 3-month program in basic computing, Scratch game development, and WordPress website design.”
More Than Just Teachers
What makes Apni Pathshala’s approach truly unique is the bond they share with their students. The relationship isn’t the typical teacher-student dynamic. The kids call their mentors “bhaiya,dada,” and the atmosphere is filled with warmth, laughter, and trust.
Even the management of the learning pods is done by the kids themselves. They handle attendance, manage social media, and take care of other micro-tasks. This interactive involvement not only builds confidence but also gives them a taste of responsibility and leadership.
Looking Ahead
The program’s success has sparked new dreams. The team plans to introduce more advanced coding, WordPress, and even connect students with real-world internships. Special thanks to the unwavering support of Mr. Vijay Sarate, the director of Narayan Chandra Trust, the sky’s the limit.
This isn’t just a story about teaching computer skills. It’s a story about breaking barriers, challenging outdated norms, and giving kids the tools to rewrite their futures. From Raj’s portfolio website to the games and designs created by the students, every achievement is a proof to what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
The collaboration between Narayan Chandra Trust and Apni Pathshala has sparked something much bigger than they might have imagined. It’s not just a program, it’s a movement. A movement that began in a small pod in Virar and now carries the hopes of countless young minds, ready to step into the digital age with confidence.If you want to be the part of a journey that changes the lives of children across the country, get in touch with ApniPathshala right now!
