Navya’s Story
Navya grew up in a community where boys were prioritized for private schooling, and girls who dreamed of careers needed more than just ambition to get started. AIF’s Digital Equalizer (DE) program, which opens doors to STEM careers for women, was an opportunity for Navya to kickstart her STEM education.
Mathematics often felt monotonous to Navya, but DE’s hands-on approach helped make numbers feel alive again. Her curiosity and passion for math grew. Her teacher, Sarita, not only noticed the impact on Navya’s learning but also a ripple effect of interest in math that uplifted the entire class.
DE helps increase digital literacy in schools and expands access to STEM education. The impact also extends beyond children to their families. Those who once kept daughters at home are now motivated to send them to school. These girls gain access to technology in education and digital learning, which adequately prepares them to succeed as women in STEM or to pursue their dream careers in any field.
Navya puts it simply: “I now know that girls can do everything boys can.” She wants to become a teacher like her own teacher, Sarita — someone who sparks children’s curiosity and inspires them to continue learning.
As AIF marks 25 years of driving social change, you can help more girls like Navya access STEM education, gain digital literacy, and explore their interests. Visit LINK to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What is the mission of AIF’s DE program?
DE’s mission is to bridge the digital and educational divide in India by bringing technology, STEM learning, and 21st-century skills to under-resourced government schools, with a special focus on empowering adolescent girls.
2) Who does the DE program serve?
DE serves secondary school students in grades 6–10 across under-resourced government schools in 35 States and Union Territories, with a strong emphasis on adolescent girls who face barriers to STEM education.
3) How does the DE program create impact?
DE trains teachers in techno-pedagogy and equips schools with STEM labs, digital content, and hands-on tools, transforming the way students learn and giving girls the confidence to explore science, technology, and space.
4) What has been the impact of the DE program so far?
DE has empowered over 10.2 million children, trained 272K teachers, and transformed 60.3K government schools across 35 States and Union Territories in India through innovative STEM and technology-focused learning.
5) How can I support AIF’s DE program?
You can make a meaningful difference by visiting aif.org to donate in honor of AIF’s 25th anniversary, helping us provide more girls like Navya with the STEM education and opportunities they deserve.
