Update (January 11th, 2015)

We recently got communication from Paushi village that the teachers conducted an exam to evaluate the computer skills of the students attending the classes. These exams took place in late December.

Paushi Update

Update (December 7th, 2014)

During the second week of November, Kolkata teacher Mr. Amit Pal and local IEEE volunteers visited Paushi to check on the status of the computer and the classes. He saw that new desks have been set up, and approximately 80 students are coming to weekly computer classes, in two batches. In addition, some paper and ink have been replaced for the printer.

Update (March 23rd, 2014)

Mr. Amit Paul and Mr. Dutta used the second batch of funding from IEEE-EPICS to purchase a new computer for the Paushi Library. They recently traveled to Paushi to set up the second computer, and to check in with the status of the classes.

Update (January 5th, 2014)

Mr. Amit Paul, our local teacher from Kolkata visited Paushi yesterday, and gave us an update on the Digital Literacy Project. He replaced the ink cartridge in the printer, and fixed some loose connections with the computer. After attending some of the computer classes, Mr. Paul spoke with the teachers in Paushi, and suggested that a blackboard and benches be added to the library for the lessons. Mr. Paul reported that they are discussing how to efficiently plan the schedules for future computer classes.

Update (December 20th, 2013)

IEEE-EPICS has approved a second proposal for $2000 funding to expand the Digital Literacy Project. We hope to add another computer, one color printer, LCD projector and projector screen to the library. With these additional equipment, more students can learn how to use the computer more effectively and gain hands-on experience, and lessons can be taught on a larger screen to a wider audience.

Update (December 1st, 2013)

After talking with Mr. Prabodh Manna and Mr. Swapan Jana, we learned that the printer is out of ink and that the Internet is not working. Mr. Amit Paul will travel to Paushi to install a new ink cartridge and work to resolve the Internet problem after speaking to the Internet provider, AirTel.

Currently, the classes are on hold as the students are having their Final Exams. Classes will resume at the conclusion of the tests.

In preparation for Cyclone Phailin which affected Paushi in October, Mr. Manna transported the computer and accessories into his house for the duration of the storm. The mud hut in which the computer is typically stored was not safe for the computer during the Cyclone. After the storm, the computer was moved back to its usual location in the mud-hut library. We hope to eventually create a more stable environment for the library and computer, so that future storms do not pose a threat to this cyber-classroom.

In addition, the implementation of the Digital Literacy Project has been featured in Bridgewater's monthly newspaper, The BReeze