An e-learning centre was inaugurated in Thirunelly Panchayat of Wayanad district of Kerala on October 28, 2022. It will cater to the needs of the most marginalised groups, especially the tribal communities living in Thirunelly Panchayat and neighbouring areas. Mr O.R. Kelu, Honourable MLA, Mananthavady, inaugurated the centre in the presence of Mr P.V. Balakrishnan, Panchayat President, Thirunnelly, and other dignitaries. The centre will build computer and digital literacy among school and college students and youth through a well-structured curriculum and by providing them with e-learning facilities.

The idea to set up this e-learning centre came up after Care Today, together with ActionAid Association, took note of an India Today report highlighting the difficulties faced by children from tribal communities in Wayanad to access education during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report talked about how students in the district had to climb hills and study on the roadside for stable internet connectivity to attend online classes.

Commending Care Today and ActionAid Association’s initiative of establishing this centre, Mr O.R. Kelu stressed the need to enhance computer literacy among children and youth from disadvantaged communities and to take urgent measures towards addressing the digital divide. Addressing the gathering, Mr P.V. Balakrishnan expressed confidence that such developmental activities in Thirunelly Panchayat would improve education levels among the local population, thereby enabling their socio-economic empowerment. Several children and youth from the tribal hamlets of Thirunelly Panchayat attended the program.