I’m
a sucker for inspiration. I love a good non-fiction fairytale or
reality show that proves people can defy odds, overcome great obstacles
and achieve their goals. And every once in a while in life, I meet
someone with such an inspiring story that I just can't help but share.
During a recent visit to India, I met a young lady who attends the Dell YouthConnect program at a government-run high school in Bangalore. Her
school, unlike others in the area, has a dedicated classroom for
technology education so students can gain computer skills, which are
critical to thriving in a city often referred to as “The Silicone Valley
of India”. Listening to this young lady's story, I was amazed at the impact one single classroom has had on her life. Below is a copy of her story:
“My
name is Sultana. My ambition in life is to work in a nationalized bank
as a bank manager. This desire has made me dream of pursing higher
education in commerce. Life has been one big struggle, full of
hardships for my family. My father passed away when I was very young.
My mother works in a garments factory for a very meager salary of Rs.
3000 (equivalent to $66 USD) on which our family of three sisters
depends for sustaining life. There is always a struggle to earn money
to run the family, so higher education takes a backseat.
Very
early on in my student life, I decided to earn while I learn to finance
my higher education, but I was not sure how to do this. It was the
summer holidays after the tenth standard examinations when I got an
opportunity to be part of the Dell YouthConnect program. I felt that
learning technology skills would help me to march toward my dream of
being a bank manager. Participating in the Dell YouthConnect program
not only provided exposure to the interesting world of computers and
technology, but it also taught me how to better communicate, collaborate
and be a leader.
After
I completed the program, it was easy to get a job at a local cyber
center. I get a salary of Rs. 2500 (approximately $55 USD) and I know I
am getting closer to pursing my dream to attend higher education in
commerce. My mother and sister are so happy and supportive of me. I
never realized that, in a short period, technology could have such an
impact and instill confidence and optimism in my life.”
——–
Sultana’s story is courtesy of the Learning Links Foundation,
the strategic implementation partner for Dell YouthConnect programs in
India. The Foundation is committed to providing innovation solutions in
the education, health and community development sector. They work in
22 states, spanning 45,000 schools and impacting approximately 36
million students.
For more on Dell’s corporate responsibility and sustainability efforts, follow us on Twitter: @Dell4Good.
