During the month of July, which is recognized as ‘Literacy Month’ in Rotary, our Club has undertaken a project for providing Computer Training to the children of Abhijat School. Abhijat School is specially run for children from the under-privileged class of the Society. Initially about 100 students of the school from std. 8 to 10 will be imparted training in 5 batches of 20 students each. The training facilities are provided by M/s Convergys (India) Services Pvt. Ltd., Aundh, Pune. The training curriculum includes: • Computer Basics-Introduction to Computers, Operating Systems • Internet and World Wide Web • Productivity Programs-Word Processing, Presentation, Spreadsheet • Computer Security and Privacy • Digital Lifestyles The Microsoft Digital Literacy (DL) provides basic computer concepts and skills so that people can use computer technology in everyday life to develop new social and economic opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities. The course takes up about 20 hours of training. The passing student receives a Microsoft Digital Literacy Certificate. First batch of 20 students started receiving training from July 20, 2009. The students are accompanied by 3 teachers/parents . After completion of 1st day’s training, the students were happy and exited. Most importantly, the teachers reported that the students could understand what was being taught to them and really enjoyed the day. Rtn. Vipin Ghate (Project Chairman), Rtn. PP Prakash Karandikar (Director- Service Projects II), Rtn. Aashish Bakhle (Director- PR), Ann Medha & President Shekhar accompanied the children on their first day out. Our Club is performing the role of Catalyst in the whole process. Apart from identifying the Company, we have arranged transport facilities and snacks for the students. After having the feedback from these batches, we shall add another 100 students to the Project. The project is expected to continue over a period of about 3 months and will benefit about 200 students. It is expected to cost us about Rs. 45,000. Most importantly, Convergys has promised us to donate Computers for setting up a Computer Lab at the School.