Bridging the digital divide: Envision education and VG Foundation

KATHMANDU: In an era of rapid digitization, access to technology and digital education has become crucial for students.

Recognizing the need to bring digital exposure to local community schools, VG Foundation and Envision Education from Concordia International School Shanghai, joined forces to make a difference.

This collaborative effort represents a significant step towards ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive in today’s digital age.

By working together, VG Foundation and Envision Education are making a meaningful difference in the lives of students in Nepal and paving the way for a brighter future.

The bridge they built extending across the technological rift in education has been in the making since 2022, when Envision Education was founded by two high school students Shreyas Sharma and Rulin Huang. “We wanted to bring an initiative forward that brought digital literacy and opportunities to disadvantaged students, broadening their horizons through the power of technology,” co-founder Rulin Huang explained.

Based in Shanghai, Envision Education now consists of six passionate visionaries, with Steve Yin, Amy Wang, Penny Kim, and Jonathan Lueth as new additions to the team – and 2 mentors: Ms. Summer Yu and Mr. Joe Fambro. Last year, as their first project, they collected and donated 60 computers to TanBo Elementary School in Zhaoqing, Guangdong, a province in southern China. Envision’s ultimate aim has always been to bring digital education to schools in Nepal— they partnered with VG Foundation from the start of their initiative, but challenges with paperwork and shipping delayed the project until this year. After months of preparation and coordination with VG Foundation’s Mr. Rahul Shrestha, the Envision team was finally able to transform their vision into reality.

“Before we came into this lab, the students learnt digital literacy through pen and paper- students would draw out apps and programs on pieces of paper. After we built the digital lab, we transformed the entire learning experience for students.” remarked Shreyas Sharma, co-founder of Envision Education.

Vishal Group Foundation handpicked the two target schools, Koseli School and Life Vision Academy, taking care to find the perfect rift to bridge and uplift. Both of these schools are free of charge to attend and previously contained only one to two computers for 82 students at Koseli and 100 at Life Vision Academy.

Upon the Envision team’s arrival, they had the honor of meeting Mr. Trilok Chand Agrawal, the Vice-Chair of Vishal Group, and Mr. Arpit Agrawal, the Executive Director of Vishal Group and Vice-President of VG Foundation. Looking over the sprawling pastel-patchwork buildings and mountain peaks of Kathmandu from the team greeted them with immense gratitude for their hearts of service and invaluable support throughout the project.

The teachers were equipped with invaluable training, empowering them to seamlessly integrate technology into their teaching methods. Together, they paved the way for a brighter future, ensuring that young minds have equal opportunities to thrive.

“Our day at Koseli School was like a magical journey. As we opened the door to the computer lab, the children’s excitement filled the room. We taught them how to turn on the computers, and suddenly, a whole new world of possibilities opened up before their eyes. With each click and code, the digital divide seemed to vanish.

The students eagerly absorbed every skill we taught them, creating beautiful digital artwork along the way. It was a day filled with joy, curiosity, and the power of education bridging the gap.

Teaching at Koseli School was a remarkable experience. Kids eagerly embraced technology and quickly mastered basic computer skills.

The students crafted breathtaking works full of vibrant colors and intricate details. It was joyous to see them explore and create beautiful digital artworks. The older students even delved into the world of document creation and typing, taking confident strides into the digital age.

The VG Foundation team provided invaluable support, filming and troubleshooting alongside us, while the caring teachers at Koseli School bridged the language barrier and offered unwavering support. Witnessing the resilience and eagerness to learn in these incredible children was awe-inspiring.

Despite their challenging circumstances, their smiles and limitless potential filled our hearts with joy. The journey was not without its challenges, but the rewards were immeasurable.

The newly established computer labs are a game-changer for Koseli School and Life Vision Academy. With internet accessibility, students now have the world at their fingertips. This resource will not only enhance their learning experience but also foster their growth and development. The computers will serve as a catalyst for innovation, creativity, and critical thinking.” shared Envision Education Team.

The collaboration between VG Foundation and Envision Education equipped underprivileged schools in Kathmandu with the most crucial tools of the digital age. This initiative is a step towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has access to quality education. By empowering young minds, the collaboration is set to shaping a brighter future for the community.

Envision Education and VG Foundation built two bridges over the digital divide that will stand as a testimony to hope, connecting bright young minds to the future they deserve.

As the Envision team’s mentor, Mr. Joe Fambro, shared, “In the very computer lab set up by the Envision Education team, each lesson taught to eager students wasn’t just an act of teaching— it was a palpable extension of the bridge spanning the digital divide. With every click and code, the gap not only narrowed but seemed to close in real time.”