In a world increasingly driven by technology, access to digital tools and the ability to use them effectively has become essential for education, employment, and active participation in society. Yet, for many communities in rural and underserved parts of Kolkata, this access remains limited, creating a profound digital divide. The WE Foundation, through its mission to foster inclusive development and sustainable livelihoods, has taken bold steps to bridge this gap through impactful digital education programs, literacy programs, and skill development initiatives tailored to local needs.

Two of its pioneering projects—Shreetech and Smart Gurukul—are helping create a digitally empowered ecosystem by targeting two critical groups: youth seeking employment and educators shaping the future of children.

Shreetech: Equipping Kolkata’s Underserved Youth with Digital Skills for Employability

Launched with the objective of transforming underprivileged youth into job-ready professionals, Shreetech is one of The WE Foundation’s most focused job training programs. Based in Kolkata, the program addresses the challenges faced by young individuals from low-income backgrounds, many of whom lack access to conventional educational programs or industry-aligned skill development programs.

The Shreetech initiative offers a two-week intensive skilling program that trains candidates in digital and soft skills required for entry-level roles—specifically as Domestic Data Entry Operators (DEOs).

Core Training Modules:

• Basic computer operations and system navigation
• Microsoft Word and Excel proficiency
• Typing accuracy and speed development
• Email etiquette and workplace communication
• Interview preparation and professional soft skills

The program is built around a blended learning model that integrates theory with hands-on practice, closely simulating real office environments. This ensures that the participants don’t just gain knowledge—they acquire workplace-ready capabilities.

Transformational Impact:

• 125 youth from disadvantaged backgrounds successfully trained
• All participants received certificates of completion
• Numerous candidates placed with leading corporate partners such as VGM and Bajaj Allianz

One participant expressed, “I had never used Excel before this program. Now, I’m working in an office, handling data daily. Shreetech changed my life.”

Another trainer shared, “The enthusiasm of the youth was inspiring. Their transformation over two weeks was incredible.”

The program has proven that even short-term, high-quality digital literacy training can catalyze long-term transformation. Beyond technical skills, it instills self-confidence, professionalism, and a sense of direction—making Shreetech a scalable model for youth empowerment.

What’s Next for Shreetech?

• Geographic Expansion: Plans are underway to replicate the model in other states where youth unemployment is high.
• Advanced Modules: Future phases will introduce deeper skills in data handling, customer service, and digital operations.
• Sustainable Livelihood Pathways: Continued corporate collaborations will support a direct pipeline from training to employment.

Smart Gurukul: Reskilling Educators to Lead the Digital Future

While Shreetech focuses on youth, Smart Gurukul addresses a parallel gap: the readiness of educators in government schools to adapt to digital teaching methodologies. The shift to online education during the pandemic exposed how unprepared many schools were, especially in rural and low-resource areas. In response, The WE Foundation, in partnership with Cognizant, launched Smart Gurukul—a program built to skill, upskill, and reskill teachers for the digital classroom.

Initial Implementation:

The program began with 70 government school teachers across 7 schools in Kolkata, equipping them with practical tools and confidence to integrate technology into their daily teaching.

Training Focus Areas:

• Use of multimedia tools such as projectors and smart boards
• Accessing and navigating e-learning platforms
• Digital content development
• Classroom engagement strategies in virtual environments
• Leadership training and communicative English

With an emphasis on blended learning programs, Smart Gurukul combines digital and in-person mentoring to help teachers apply what they learn in real classrooms.

Expanding Reach and Impact:

• Kolkata: Over 4,000 schools impacted so far
• Assam & Mumbai: Active programs running across 25+ schools
• Odisha (Angul): Launch planned in 10 schools
• Future Goals: Train 2,200 teachers in 220 schools, reaching 50,000+ students in Kolkata and South 24 Parganas

In addition to teacher training, the program also envisions setting up digital labs in schools, ensuring access to devices, internet, and virtual content for continuous learning. By strengthening both technological and pedagogical capacity, Smart Gurukul is fostering inclusive and future-ready educational ecosystems.

Towards a Digitally Inclusive Future: WE Foundation’s Commitment

Together, Shreetech and Smart Gurukul reflect The WE Foundation’s holistic approach to tackling digital inequity. By working across age groups—from youth entering the workforce to teachers nurturing young minds—the Foundation ensures that digital empowerment becomes a community-wide transformation.

These programs are integrated within a broader framework that also includes:

• Adult education programs for lifelong learners
• Early Child Care & Education programs that lay the foundation for digital familiarity from a young age
  A commitment to building sustainable systems through community partnerships, corporate collaboration, and continuous innovation

The WE Foundation’s digital literacy work in Kolkata stands as a replicable and scalable example for other regions grappling with similar challenges. It proves that educational programs—when grounded in local realities and backed by strategic vision—can lead to real, lasting change.