One Room’s Role in a Village’s Learning Journey

Think about this: AI, ChatGPT, design tools, online courses—you have it all at your fingertips. Need to learn coding or graphic design? Watch a video. Want to understand a complex math formula or dive into physics? There’s an endless supply of tutorials. In today’s world, any skill can be developed with just a click.

But now imagine being in a place where none of this exists. Where learning a single maths formula takes days, not because it’s difficult, but because there are no resources beyond outdated textbooks and a chalkboard. A world where opportunities like learning digital skills, or even discovering what careers exist beyond the village, are far from reach.

That’s the reality for many students in rural India.

While you have access to a universe of knowledge, students like Dimpal Thakur, growing up in a small village in Punjab, are still cut off from these resources. Her life was a routine of household chores and limited schooling. With no access to the internet, laptops, or advanced learning tools, her future seemed confined to her village.

"I never thought I’d use a computer, let alone learn something like graphic design or coding," she recalls.

But then something changed. The Youth Dreamers Foundation introduced a Community Learning Space in her village. Suddenly, Dimpal and other students found themselves in a room with laptops, Wi-Fi, and a collection of bookscovering everything from biographies to competitive exams.

"It’s not just about studying here," Dimpal says. "When we come together, we’re not just opening books—we’re opening our minds."

At the Community Learning Space, students talk about more than just lessons. "We discuss new study techniques, what courses others are doing, and the different skills people are picking up."

For Dimpal, it’s become a place to explore what’s possible beyond the usual routine. "We talk about careers, what paths people are taking, and options we never knew existed."

Before, her days were filled with household chores, but now her perspective has grown. "It’s more than just studying—we’re learning about life, careers, and new opportunities. It’s made us think bigger."

But these centres are about more than just academics. They create community spirit through events like Women’s Day, World Environment Day, and Teacher’s Day—bringing students, families, and the entire village together. These gatherings help keep the community strong, connected, and engaged in their collective growth.

This kind of access to education is especially crucial, given the growing challenges in rural India. According to the 2021 National Achievement Survey, learning levels have dropped significantly, with averages falling from 59% in Grade 3to 36% in Grade 10. In addition, the India Skills Report highlights that only one-third of students entering the workforce possess the skills required by employers.

But through these Community Learning Spaces, students like Dimpal now have the tools they need to build their futures—bridging the gap between rural limitations and the modern world. While they’re developing skills that open doors to careers they never thought possible, the centres also keep the rural essence alive. With regular regional events like Farmers' Day and local festivals, the community is growing stronger. These events not only celebrate their heritage but also help blend tradition with new-age digital learning, making the community both culturally rooted and digitally equipped for the future.

Baljinder Kaur, whose son Manveer Singh attends the center, shares: "I am never worried when my child is at the YDF center because the supervisors are constantly in touch with us, keeping us informed about our child's progress." The trust between parents and the center shows how these spaces are not only for education but also for building a strong, supportive environment for the whole village.