Strategic Pro Bono Project with Team4Tech and Learning Links Foundation

"Volunteering: A Gift of Time, A Legacy of Change"

I am a strong believer that social Impact is and always will be the need of the hour and an excellent education is the key lever to drive this change

In a world brimming with possibilities, empowering young minds to explore their potential is a noble pursuit. This article narrates an inspiring journey, where we delve into the heart of an initiative that goes beyond the classroom, beyond the textbooks, and beyond the ordinary. This is a tale of collaboration, education, and the boundless potential of giving back. Welcome to a world where volunteering meets technology to shape the dreams of tomorrow's leaders.

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." - B.B. King

Logitech Volunteers with Mehreen Butt and Goutham Kumar from Team4Tech

Presenting our Team : Neelima, Mehreen Butt , Goutham Kumar , Vijay Bala, Karthikeyan V , Venkatesh S , Ajay Pranav, Parsia N, Meena S, Aarthi Kasirajan, Riya Mukherjee and Soumya (LLF) and Nirmal (LLF)

Team4Tech is a nonprofit impact accelerator bridging the digital equity gap in education to create inclusion and opportunities for learners in under-resourced communities around the world.

In partnership with Learning Links Foundation (LLF), The focus of this strategic project will be to support LLF’s Road to Livelihood (RTL) Program. RTL provides structured interventions to students grades 9-12 to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to confidently take up higher education or vocational training after high school.

This is my first time working with Team4Tech and needless to say it was an amazing experience. While a volunteering experience enriches both individuals and society as a whole, there are a few key takeaways.

1. Gain a sense of purpose
2. Broadens your perspective?
3. Make a positive impact
4. Inspire Others
5. Contribute to a better world

Scope of this Project:?

Development of a career guidance application/platform that they can use to introduce potential career pathways to students in grades 9-12. The application should allow students to?

1. complete psychometric tests/questionnaires related to their academic and professional interests,
2. suggest potential career options and pathways based on their results,
3. include additional resources, materials, and/or courses to help students get started in the career interest of their choice.?

The presence of a well-designed career exploration application in rural areas, can address the knowledge gap regarding career options. It can empower individuals, especially students, to make informed choices about their future, connect with mentors, and contribute to the overall development of their communities. Such applications play a crucial role in leveling the playing field and ensuring that career opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of their geographic location.

Some snips from our school visits:?

Challenges and Lessons:?

The project initially presented a considerable challenge, as our team had to create the platform entirely from the ground up. I must confess that I had concerns about my ability to handle it due to my limited technical expertise. However, this is where I am immensely grateful to my team. My exceptional colleagues not only offered their unwavering support but also equipped me with the resources to acquire new skills and fostered an environment of active collaboration right from the outset—truly showcasing the pinnacle of teamwork.

The Bigger Picture:

The journey of building a platform from scratch not only equips individuals with technical expertise but also instills a profound lesson about the power of collaboration, adaptability, and continuous learning. It underscores the significance of teamwork, as even those with limited technical knowledge can thrive when supported by a dedicated and resourceful team.

As we reflect on this journey, we are reminded that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome through collaboration and a willingness to embrace the unknown. It reinforces the idea that each endeavor, no matter how daunting, can lead to personal and collective growth, ultimately shaping us into more capable, resilient, and innovative individuals.

Last but not least, I’m extremely grateful to my Manager?Denis Zuba for letting me take part in such a beautiful initiative , Jarred Arendse for bringing in such thoughtful and? wonderful initiative for Logitech employees. Finally thanks to the pillars who lead the team seamlessly Mehreen Butt and Goutham Kumar (from Team4Tech).

The prospect of embarking on similar endeavors in the future excites me, as it would enable me to apply the knowledge I've acquired and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of students. I eagerly look forward to engaging in future projects that challenge me, foster my growth, and allow me to contribute further to the education sector, leveraging technology for the betterment of our society.