Google.org grants $8.4 million to Indian NGO’s towards enhancement of education

Google’s philanthropic arm Google.org on Thursday announced grants of $8.4 million to four Indian NGOs over the next two years to expand their efforts to enhance the learning experience for students in the classroom.

These grants are part of a global $50 million commitment that aims to help non-profits apply tech-based learning solutions.

The recipients of the grants include Learning Equality, Million Sparks Foundation, Pratham Books StoryWeaver and Pratham Education Foundation.

“Our approach is to find the most promising non-profits and put the best of Google to work and help them close this gap,” Rajan Anandan, Vice President South East Asia and India, Google told reporters here.

In the National Policy of Education report 2016, poor learning outcomes have been attributed to serious gaps in teacher motivation and training. Lack of access to relevant educational material, tools and aides that enhance the classroom experience are some of the other areas that must be addressed.

“We believe technology can help bridge the gap, it can get more books to students, more lesson plans to teachers, and classrooms to kids who can’t get there themselves,” said Nick Cain, Programme Manager, Education, Google.org.

The education grants in India will focus on quality learning materials, providing better training and support to teachers and supporting students beyond classroom learning.

Date: Apr 7, 2017

Source: IANS