Unplugged STEM Adventure (Smart Cheli)

Our goal is to provide a tech foundation to children from rural areas by providing them with localized STEM kit and building their capacity for computational thinking and problem-solving.

Access to digital technology and resources is a significant issue in rural areas of Nepal. Many of these areas have limited infrastructure and connectivity, making it difficult for residents to access the internet and other digital resources. This lack of access leads to a lack of digital literacy and awareness of technological advancements among the population. This can make it difficult for individuals to access information and opportunities, and can limit their ability to participate fully in the digital economy.

Additionally, language barriers further impede communication and access to localized education resources in these rural areas. Many rural residents speak local dialects or languages that are not widely spoken or understood outside of their communities. This can make it difficult for them to access information or communicate with others, which can limit their ability to access education resources or other opportunities.

Overall, the limited access to digital technology and resources, combined with language barriers, make it difficult for many rural residents of Nepal to fully participate in the digital economy and access the information and opportunities that are available to them.

Our solution to the lack of digital literacy and access to technology in rural Nepal is to teach school children the basics of computational thinking and problem solving using physical blocks of code. This approach allows children to learn in a hands-on and interactive way, making the learning process more engaging and effective. Additionally, by providing instruction in both English and Nepali, we aim to overcome language barriers and ensure that all children have equal access to the educational resources. By equipping children with these skills, we hope to empower them to become active participants in the digital world and to take advantage of the opportunities that technology provides.

Our solution is a STEM Kit that uses easily available offline materials like paper and wood to introduce and improve children's understanding of coding and technology. The Kit will include a collection of interactive games designed to teach coding concepts to users. We will use block coding and present it in the Nepali language to enhance their comprehension. To foster a deeper understanding of coding concepts, we will use local, real-life examples and resources, such as asking children to explain the steps involved in cooking on a traditional stove as an analogy for an algorithm.

Our solution is designed to address the specific needs of children from rural areas by introducing them to coding. By providing them with the tools and resources to learn this important skill, we aim to enhance their competency, critical thinking, and logical skills. This will give them a strong foundation to build upon as they move forward in their education and careers.

One of the main focuses of our solution is to reach children who may not have access to technology or resources in their communities. By providing them with the opportunity to learn coding, we are opening up the door for them to be able to explore and take advantage of the many opportunities available in the rapidly growing fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

By educating these children about STEM, we are not only providing them with the first step towards navigating the opportunities in STEM fields, but also equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed in the digital age. 

Coding is the backbone of today's digital world, it is the language that allows us to communicate with machines, it is the language of innovation, and it is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities. We believe that by giving children in rural areas access to coding education, we are giving them the tools they need to succeed in today's digital world. 

Furthermore, by raising awareness of the digital era and the opportunities available in STEM fields, we are encouraging children to consider careers in these fields. We believe that by educating children about the potential of STEM fields, we are not only providing them with a better future but also contributing to the development and growth of the country.

In summary, our solution aims to empower children from rural areas by providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the digital world, and to explore the opportunities available in STEM fields. We believe that this is the first step towards addressing the digital divide and providing equal opportunities for children in rural areas.

We are a social enterprise dedicated to providing STEM education to young girls in Nepal. Our team of computer and electronics engineers has been working in this field for over 5 years and has successfully reached over 800 young girls. Through our programs, we have seen these girls grow from being uncertain and unfamiliar with technology to becoming excited and eager to learn more.

We have been recognized for our efforts, winning the One Young World Lead 2030 Challenge for SDG4, which aims to reduce gender disparities in education. Our team has extensive experience working with schools in both rural and urban areas of Nepal, making us well-suited to deliver this solution effectively. With our experience and expertise, we believe we are capable of making a significant impact in the education of young girls in rural areas.

Our organization aims to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields. In the course of our work, we have come to realize the challenges faced by children in remote areas, including inadequate infrastructure and facilities. Despite these difficulties, we have found that these children are eager to learn and expand their knowledge.The children in remote areas possess a wealth of creativity and potential, and with the right opportunities and guidance, they can broaden their knowledge and understanding.

We have taken the initiative to engage in conversations with children to understand the specific resources and facilities they require to enhance their skills. We are committed to understanding the needs of the children and tailor our approach to best support them in their journey to improve their skills in today's digital world. From the discussions, we have gained valuable insights and have been able to gather information about their current level of knowledge, areas of interest, and any challenges they may face. Based on our observations in villages, we have seen that the infrastructure is inadequate and access to computers is limited. Most of the people in these areas have little to no knowledge about computers and lack basic computer skills such as using a mouse. We believe that this type of engagement will allow us to better understand and address the needs of the children, and ultimately support them in reaching their full potential.

Innovation involves identifying a problem or need, and then coming up with a creative solution that addresses it. Unlike the innovation that is driven by core technologies, ours is driven by a desire to improve the human condition. 

After conducting a close examination of the conditions in rural villages in Nepal, we have determined that the most feasible solution is to teach children how to code. By providing them with this skill, we are taking the first step towards helping them thrive in the digital era, rather than overwhelming them with advanced technology that they may not be prepared for.

Our plan is to target at least 80 children from remote villages in the first phase and potentially 800 children in a year and improve their competency in STEM fields. We intend to closely monitor and track their progress, conduct behavior analysis through machine learning and gradually expand our reach to more children and other villages. Additionally, we plan to involve local teachers and provide them with intensive training to ensure that there is proper guidance and mentorship for the children.

We have yet to launch our unplugged STEM kit, but our plan is to initially reach 80-100 children in the first phase, with the goal of expanding to reach 800 children within a year.

Our initial plan is to use an unplugged STEM kit to introduce children to coding concepts without the need for access to computers. However, as the children progress in their learning journey, access to computers will be necessary for them to continue developing their skills and exploring new possibilities.

Providing access to computers for children in rural areas may present financial and technical challenges. However, we are committed to finding solutions to these challenges in the future and providing the necessary resources for children to continue their tech journey. We recognize that this is an important step in helping children from rural areas to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital age.

Our organization, Smart Cheli is a global partner of 2022-2024 Cohort of the Scratch Education Collaborative (SEC).