The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MTA) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Microsoft to support the digital transformation of schools.
Context
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MTA) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Microsoft to support the digital transformation of schools.
Key highlights of the MOU
- The initiative will be implemented in schools under the Ministry such as Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and Ashram Schools.
- AI skills: Microsoft will provide AI curriculum to tribal students in both English and Hindi at all EMRS schools under the Ministry to skill educators and students for next-generation technologies including Artificial Intelligence.
- These schools will be equipped with the technology, training and tools that is required to transform them into Microsoft Showcase School.
- Significance: This program will provide readiness, preparedness to students at various international forums.
- Students would get the required skill through digital transformation and this would support that AI and coding being a part of the curriculum.
- This initiative will be helpful to the tribal students for maintaining continuity in their education in the lockdown period.
- Students will also be trained and exposed to gamified environments on Minecraft to help build design thinking skills.
- To enable inclusion and access, Microsoft will make AI curriculum available to the schools and students in both English and Hindi.
- Teachers training: 5000 teachers nominated by the ministry across these schools would also be provided with professional training.
- The program will also offer opportunities for teachers to earn professional e-badges and e-certificates from the Microsoft Education Centre
- Support: Ministry will mentor on projects that involve AI applications for the societal good and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also.
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)
- EMRS started in the year 1997-98.
- It was started to impart quality education to ST children in remote areas.
- It will enable them to avail of opportunities in high and professional educational courses and get employment in various sectors.
- By the year 2022, every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, will have an EMRS.
- Eklavya schools will be on par with Navodaya Vidyalaya.
- They will have special facilities to preserve local art and culture besides providing training in sports and for skill development.
Ashram Schools
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) running a scheme “Establishment of Ashram Schools in Tribal Sub-Plan Areas” under which funds are provided to State Governments for construction of Ashram schools
- The scheme is in operation since 1990-91.
- The scheme is funded on 50:50 basis by the Central and State government, 100% funding will be provided to UTs.
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursuing primary, middle, secondary and senior secondary education are eligible for the scheme.
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