When the COVID-19 pandemic struck India, it forced schools to shut down, bringing education to a standstill. While private schools quickly shifted to online classes, Government schools faced a different challenge. Many teachers, though dedicated and passionate, lacked the digital skills needed to adapt to this “new normal.” They had never been trained to use computers, smart phones, or online tools to teach, and this left thousands of underprivileged children disconnected from education.
A UNESCO report highlighted this issue, revealing that around 2.7 million teachers in India were unprepared to handle digital classrooms. The pandemic brought to light the huge digital divide that exists, where access to education became entirely dependent on technology. For children in Government schools, this divide was even more severe because their teachers did not have the tools or knowledge to deliver online lessons.
Understanding the seriousness of the situation, The We Foundation, in partnership with Cognizant, stepped in to help teachers bridge this gap. The goal was clear—train Government school teachers in digital skills so that learning could continue for the children who needed it the most.
The program began in two districts of West Bengal—Kolkata and South 24 Parganas. Teachers from 30 schools participated in this initiative, which was designed to make learning simple, practical, and effective. Over six months, teachers received structured training to help them navigate digital platforms, use technology effectively, and reconnect with their students.
The training covered everything teachers needed to succeed in online classrooms. They learned how to use smartphones, laptops, and computers to conduct classes. They were trained to create engaging digital lessons using tools like videos and presentations to make learning fun and interactive. Teachers also received guidance on communicative English and leadership skills, helping them build confidence in their abilities.
For many teachers, this was a completely new experience. At first, they felt nervous and unsure about using technology. However, the program made learning easy and accessible, allowing them to practice and grow at their own pace. Slowly, they started gaining confidence and began using their new skills to teach students online.
The impact of the program was remarkable. Teachers who once struggled with technology started conducting regular online classes, ensuring that children could continue their education from home. In just one year, over 100 teachers completed their digital training, transforming the way they taught and interacted with their students. This effort directly benefited more than 4,500 children across the 30 participating schools.
One teacher, from a primary school in Kolkata, shared how this program changed her life. At the beginning, she didn’t even know how to operate a smartphone properly. The idea of teaching online felt impossible. Through the training, she not only learned how to use digital tools but also developed new teaching methods to keep her students engaged. She started creating short video lessons, sharing worksheets on WhatsApp, and even organizing storytelling sessions online. Her students responded with excitement, and their parents were equally amazed to see their children learning again.
This transformation didn’t just happen in classrooms. It spread to families and communities as well. Parents, many of whom had never used digital tools themselves, began to support their children’s learning at home. They worked closely with teachers, creating a stronger connection between schools and families. To make learning even more accessible, digital labs were set up in schools, providing teachers and students with the tools they needed to continue their education effectively.
This program proved that when teachers are empowered, the entire community benefits. The confidence and skills that teachers gained allowed them to reconnect children with education and ensure that learning did not stop, even during a global crisis.
The success of this initiative has shown that digital transformation in education is not just possible, but essential. Teachers now feel prepared to use technology not just during emergencies but as part of everyday learning. Schools are more equipped to embrace a mix of digital and traditional methods, creating a more inclusive and flexible education system.
Looking ahead, The We Foundation aims to replicate this model in more schools across the country, ensuring that no teacher or student is left behind. By equipping teachers with the skills and confidence to embrace technology, we are creating a future where education can thrive under any circumstances.
This program is more than just a story of training teachers—it is a story of hope, resilience, and change. When teachers are empowered, they become changemakers, and through them, children can dream, learn, and succeed. The We Foundation believes that every teacher has the potential to make a difference, and together, we are building a brighter, stronger, and more inclusive future for all.