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Apni Pathshala

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START A POD

Empowering Digital Education for Children Across India

Apni Pathshala is dedicated to bridging the digital divide in India by establishing over 1000+ learning pods, where children from diverse backgrounds can gain essential computer skills in a safe, supportive setting. These pods offer community members the fulfilling chance to teach, benefiting both students and educators by enhancing learning for all involved. Apni Pathshala also encourages the financial sustainability of these pods through monetizing facilities where possible. Connected to a nationwide network of educators, leaders, activists, and government officials, Apni Pathshala collaborates to equip thousands of young Indians with crucial digital skills, empowering them to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

How To Start?
Send Proposal

REQUIREMENTS

Want to start a new Apni Pathshala POD?

Starting one is simple! Below is a checklist of qualifiers we review during our due diligence, and all of them are mandatory.

Pod Space

You need to have at-least 200 sq feet of space either owned or rented by you or your organization.

Electricity

At least 6 hours during the day time.

Access & Safety

CCTV and Attendence of Students and visitor.

Infrastructure

You need to have tables, chairs and electrical sockets in place to help deploy the computers immediately.

Electrical Sockets

2x electrical sockets per computer (1x for Monitor and 1x for the CPU) – Even extension cords will do.

Internet

You should have at least 10 Mbps internet connection on the premise to help support the computers.

Tables & Chairs

Standard Tables with at least 2 sq feet of surface area per computer. Chairs: Comfortable chairs for children to sit, while using the computers.

Expertise

It's essential to have at least one team member who is comfortable with computers, capable of setting up new devices, and able to regularly share updates, videos, and images from your Pod.

Social Media Presence

We also expect all Apni Pathshala Pods to maintain a website (a simple one pager blog will also do) and social media handles on Twitter and Instagram. This helps the Apni Pathshala pods share their learnings and build in public.

Step to start a new Apni Pathshala POD

POD Sends Proposal

Each POD must pass 3 screening protocols, managed by team, before the proposal is accepted.

Incubation Period (2 months)

After approval, the POD enters an incubation period. Weekly updates and video reports are collected by team.

Evaluation Phase (End of 2 Months)

At the end of the incubation period, the POD undergoes a final evaluation. If successful, it proceeds; if not, it is removed.

Distribution to Coordinators

High-performing PODs are distributed to main coordinators for ongoing management.

OUR PODS

More than 10,000 students across 19 states and union territories.

FIND NEAREST POD

PROPOSAL

Once a POD proposal is Accepted!

Each POD must undergo three different types of screening protocols.

Primary Protocol

Assess the applicant's planning, infrastructure, student engagement, and long-term sustainability through detailed screening and discussions.

Secondary Protocol

Assess the applicant's planning, infrastructure, student engagement, and long-term sustainability through detailed screening and discussions.

Tertiary Protocol

Complete the KYC process and finalize documentation to confirm eligibility and partnership.

Once the proposal is accepted, the following primary protocol must be adhered to, and the POD is required to cover all these aspects.

1. Educational Background:

  • Verify that the organization has a clear educational focus or mission, demonstrating a commitment to learning, skill development, or academic advancement.
  • Request documentation or information regarding the organization’s educational programs, initiatives, or beneficiaries.

2. Website Presence:

  • Confirm that the organization has a website that provides information about its mission, activities, and impact.
  • Evaluate the quality and relevance of the website content about the organization’s educational objectives.

3. Social Media Presence:

  • Ensure that the organisation maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as Twitter or Instagram/Facebook.
  • Assess the engagement and relevance of the organisation’s social media content, particularly related to educational initiatives or community outreach.

Additional Considerations:

  • In cases where the organisation lacks a website, offer assistance through student collaboration to develop or enhance their online presence.
  • Prioritise organisations that demonstrate a proactive approach to leveraging technology for educational purposes, including the use of social media for outreach and engagement.

Documentation and Agreement:

  • Require organisations to provide proof of their educational background, website presence, and social media accounts as part of the donation application process.
  • Establish clear terms and conditions regarding the use and maintenance of donated computers, including expectations for utilising technology for educational purposes.

When conducting a primary screening protocol for computer donations, it’s essential to verify the organisation’s educational focus and ensure it has a clear commitment to learning and skill development. Confirm that the organisation has an active website and social media presence, reflecting its educational initiatives and community outreach. In cases where a website is lacking, offer assistance to develop or enhance their online presence. Additionally, require documentation and establish clear terms for the use of donated computers to ensure they are effectively utilised for educational purposes.

Once the primary protocol is completed, every POD must follow and submit the required elements of the secondary protocol.

1. Mission Alignment:

  • Assess whether the mission and goals of the organisation align with the purpose of the Apni Pathshala.
  • Ensure that the organisation’s activities and objectives resonate with the values and objectives of the donation initiative.

2. Legal Compliance:

  • Verify that the organisation is legally registered and compliant with relevant local, state, and national regulations.

3. Capacity and Need:

  •  Evaluate the organisation’s capacity to effectively utilise and maintain the donated computers.
  • Determine the specific need for computers within the organisation and how they will contribute to achieving its objectives.
4. Sustainability Plan:
  • Request information on the organisation’s sustainability plan for managing and maintaining the donated computers in the long term.
  • Ensure that the organisation has adequate resources and infrastructure to support ongoing computer use and maintenance.

5. Beneficiary Impact:

  • Assess the potential impact of the computer donation on the organisation’s beneficiaries or target population.
  • Determine how access to computers will enhance educational, vocational, or other relevant opportunities for the beneficiaries.

6. Accountability and Reporting:

  • Establish clear expectations for reporting on the utilisation and impact of the donated computers, including regular updates and feedback.

7. Documentation and Agreement:

  • Maintain thorough documentation of the screening process, including communication with the organisation and any supporting documents.
  • Establish a formal agreement or memorandum of understanding outlining the terms and conditions of the computer donation.

8. Plan of Action Submission :

  • A 2-month plan of action with clear objectives must be submitted.
  • Every POD is required to provide a detailed plan outlining their goals and objectives for the next two months in the document.

The secondary screening protocol for computer donations involves assessing the organisation’s alignment with Apni Pathshala’s mission and ensuring legal compliance. It’s crucial to evaluate the organisation’s capacity and specific need for the donated computers, along with their sustainability plan for long-term maintenance. Additionally, assess the potential impact on beneficiaries and set clear expectations for accountability and reporting. Finally, maintain thorough documentation and establish a formal agreement outlining the terms of the donation, including a two-month action plan with clear objectives.

Tertiary Protocol, also known as the KYC of the PODs: All PODs are required to complete this process by answering all the questions in the document. A document with both questions and their answers must be created and submitted.
  • • First Name :
  • • Last Name :
  • • Phone Number :
  • • Email Address :
  • • Secondary Contact Person Details [First Name, Last Name,Phone Number,Email Address]
  • • Complete Postal Address of the place you plan to set up a new Apni Pathshala Pod:
  • • Pin-code:
  • • District:
  • • State/Union Territory:
  • • Estimated Area (in Square feet) of the space you plan to start a new Apni Pathshala Pod (Required: 200 sq. ft.):
  • • How many hours of electricity do you get at the proposed Apni Pathshala Pod space in a day?
  • • Do you have tables and chairs to support and upkeep 10 computers?
  • • How many electrical sockets do you have in the proposed Apni Pathshala Pod?
  • • How many female students will attend your proposed Apni Pathshala Pod?
  • • Who will unbox, install, and look after the computers?
  • • At which floor is your proposed Apni Pathshala Pod space located?
  • • Do you have a restroom/toilet facility in your space?
  • • Please upload a short video showing the place you plan to start a new Apni Pathshala centre from.
  • • Please share either a copy of your PAN Card or your Aadhaar Card.
  • • Please upload an address proof for your proposed Apni Pathshala Pod (Choose one: Electricity Bill, GST certificate with additional address, or Rent Agreement).
  • • Are you applying on behalf of an organisation or in your personal capacity?
  • • Can you provide information about the demographics of the community or area where the Apni Pathshala Pod will be located?
  • • Please share registration certificate of your organization.
  • • Do you understand and agree that Team Apni Pathshala reserves the right to accept or reject this application?
  • • Are you aware that Apni Pathshala delivers computers and peripherals to a new Apni Pathshala Pod for a duration of 12 months?
  • • In case Team Apni Pathshala approves this request, do you agree that you and/or your organisation will use the computers delivered by Apni Pathshala only for educational purposes?
  • • Do you also understand and agree that you need to be vigilant about the day-to-day usage of the computers at your proposed Apni Pathshala Pod? In case of any potential misuse of the computers leading to the breaking of any stated law of the country/state, you and/or your organisation might be held liable/accountable by the competent authorities :
  • • Do you have a backup power source in case of electricity outages?
  • • Are there any specific educational programs or initiatives you plan to implement using the computers?
  • • Will there be any dedicated staff or volunteers assigned to oversee the usage and maintenance of the computers?
  • • What is the anticipated timeline for setting up and launching the Apni Pathshala Pod once the computers are delivered?
  • • How do you plan to ensure the sustainability of the Apni Pathshala Pod beyond the initial 12-month period of support from Apni Pathshala?
  • • How do you plan to involve parents or guardians in the educational activities and progress of their children attending the Apni Pathshala Pod?
  • • What are your primary goals and objectives for establishing the Apni Pathshala Pod in your local community?
  • • How does the establishment of the Apni Pathshala Pod align with your long-term vision for educational development in the community?

TESTIMONIAL

Hear from our community

Apni Pathshala is doing amazing work by using innovative learning methods. Their focus on digital education, small group learning, and skill development really helps students grow and achieve success.

Pankaj Baranwal
Pankaj Baranwal BVMS School, Lucknow

Apni Pathshala is an excellent organization that focuses on helping students learn in small groups, called learning pods. They use technology to teach important skills, making learning easier and fun for students.

Saiprasad Poojari LFP-Tardeo, Mumbai

I really appreciate the work Apni Pathshala is doing. By using digital tools and personalized teaching, they help students improve both academically and in practical skills. It’s a great initiative for underprivileged children.

Aniket Kadam LFP, Narayanchandra Trust, Virar (E)

I’m grateful to Apni Pathshala for supporting Kalpavriksha Seva Trust in Chennai. Over the past 8 months, we’ve developed skills in 3D printing, Python, and robotics, empowering students to lead and create innovative projects like short films and products.

Nandani
Nandini Kalpavriksha Seva Trust, Chennai